Bud Dupree: Browns Draft Profile

The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns 2015 NFL Draft seems ready to be a very interesting one for the team. With 10 picks, including two in the first round, the Browns are ready to make noise again for the second year in a row.

Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud. Last year the Browns draft included a big trade down and the drafting of Johnny Manziel. While the first round hasn’t panned out yet, the rest of the draft seems to be great. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.

After free agency we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns tried to trade their picks to move up, to get another veteran or went with best player available instead of drafting for need. Farmer did this last year when he drafted Joel Bitonio, Terrance West, Christian Kirksey and others instead of drafting a wide receiver. We could see that again.

In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for the NFL Draft.

Name

Alvin “Bud” Dupree

Position

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Height/Weight (Combine)

6’4″, 269 lbs

School

Kentucky Wildcats

Stats (link)

2014 – 12 games; 45 Solo tackles; 29 Assisted tackles; 12.5 tackles for loss; 7.5 sacks; 1 Pass broken Up; 2 Forced Fumble; 5 QB Hurry-Up; 1 INT

2014 NFL Draft Comparison

Anthony Barr– 9th overall (Minnesota Vikings) – Barr was another great prospect that came out during the 2014 NFL Draft, some view him as the top overall outside linebacker while others sided with Khalil Mack; who ultimately was drafted 5th overall. Barr’s the perfect combination of balance and acceleration, which he uses to shred the offensive line and chase down the ball carrier. Barr was an excellent prospect with great size and athleticism whom possessed ideal long arms, great burst off the ball and amazing closing ability.

2015 NFL Draft Range

10-20 1st Round – Dupree was a productive pass rusher in the SEC and finished with 23.5 career sacks; his long arms, quick burst, and athleticism to chase down nearby ball carriers is unique. Dupree has great burst and locates the ball quickly which allowed him the make quite a few highlight reel hits. Dupree was also asked to drop back into coverage in Kentucky’s defensive scheme and he showed above average abilities to cover. Dupree was also touted by the Kentucky coaching staff as a strong leader on and off the field.

"Bud Dupree is one of the most athletic and potentially game changing defensive prospects available in the 2015 class. He has the necessary strength and athletic ability to be a three-down player in the NFL . He’s a scheme-diverse prospect that can play from a 2 pt stance and be competent dropping back into coverage while also projecting highly as a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher. He’s a first-round prospect who is likely to hear his name called in the top half of round one – Bryan Perez (@FirstRoundGrade)"

Fit with the Browns

The Browns are thin at the outside linebacker position, besides Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo the only other outside linebacker on the roster heading into next season is Keith Pough, a little known 2nd year player out of Harvard. At 6-foot-4, 269 pounds, Dupree has the overall size and frame that makes him a perfect match for teams that play a 4-3 defense (defensive end) and teams that play a 3-4 (outside linebacker). . Dupree also had the combine stats to go along with the increased attention, 4.56-second 40 yard dash, 42-inch vertical leap, and an 11’6 broad jump. Dupree is raw but does have the necessary skills to compete at the next level. In his senior season for the Wildcats Dupree played in 12 games and accumulated 74 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. It’s also worth noting that Dupree finished his collegiate career with 23.5 sacks, so he can consistently get to the opposing quarterback.

Pass Rushing – Dupree show great instincts to read and react to the snap of the ball and is the first player moving on defense. Dupree is a relentless pass rusher that displays great hustle on nearly ever play. Dupree uses his hands well, shows good bend in his ankles/knees when rushing around the outside of an opposing lineman.

Run Stopping – Dupree is a solid defender against the run who needs to continue to hone his craft. Dupree is a excellent high motor guy who goes full throttle in an effort to make a plays. His high motor can lead to big plays, and sometimes it puts him out of position to make a play.

Browns Player Selection Could Impact

N/A – The Browns have an obvious lack of depth at the outside linebacker position and with the loss of Jabaal Sheard in free agency the Browns are thinner at the position behind Kruger and Mingo, and they look like they are going to address the pass rush early in the draft. The Cleveland Browns personnel have already visited Lexington, Kentucky, to meet with Bud Dupree.

How the Selection Could Impacted by Free Agency

N/A – The Browns look like they have identified the need for solid veteran leadership across the board and they went out and got a veteran in Randy Starks to help in the middle against the run. The Browns’ have addressed key needs along the defensive line and wide receiver thus far in free agency, but now they need depth on the outside. If my prediction is right the Browns will look early for pass rushers and run stop players, which might not be sexy but winning on defense is just as important as offense. If the Browns go that route they sit right in the thick of things in the first round to get a much needed player for the defense and Dupree should be available.

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Priority

High – The Browns defense has shown potential, but the front seven needs depth and an infusion of talent is needed. The Browns only addressing the needs thus far by signing Hughes to an extension and signing veteran Randy Starks they will need to add depth via the draft. Bud Dupree would be a great fit for the Browns who need someone to help rush the passer along with Mingo and Kruger.

What do you think about targeting Bud Dupree in the 2015 NFL Draft?

Next: Full Browns NFL Draft Profiles List

The video clips were provided courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com

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