Report: Browns visit Bud Dupree in Kentucky
By Paul Noel
The Cleveland Browns could be looking to upgrade their outside pass rush in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. Alvin “Bud” Dupree from the University of Kentucky is among the top five in this years draft class as a top end pass rushers. Dupree seems to be getting more attention as of late, due to the report that Nebraska’s Randy Gregory’s failed a drug test at the combine.
According to Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Cleveland Browns reporter: The Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons personnel have visited Lexington, Kentucky, on separate days this week to meet with Kentucky Wildcats pass rusher Bud Dupree.
From Wed., reported #Browns and #Falcons visited Bud Dupree on Kentucky's campus to meet with and research the OLB http://t.co/PZkxo70igx
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 3, 2015
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.
With the loss of Jabaal Sheard in free agency the Browns are thin at the position thin behind Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo, and they look like they are going to address the pass rush via the draft. Dupree does have a high ceiling and will likely be available in the #12-#19 draft range where the Browns will have the opportunity to take him off the board. Dupree has a high ceiling but that comes with the associated red flags, many pundits question his strength:
"Struggles to rip free once engaged. Relies on his agility and savvy to slip by would-be blockers. Rarely physically breaks the grasp of blockers once engaged. Rarely gets his hands up to cloud the vision of quarterbacks. Sometimes takes wide angles in pursuit, giving up extra yardage – CBS Sports"
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That could definitely be a issue with his game and also gives a good indication why the Browns are in Kentucky and evaluating him up close and personal. The Browns are still working with one test project in Mingo, and adding another test subject like Dupree may not be necessarily the right step to getting immediate help in the pass rush. I do like the upside of Dupree and wouldn’t be upset if the Browns chose to go in that direction on draft day.
Does visiting Bud Dupree in Kentucky by the Browns excite you?