Broncos Prospect Profiles: Bud Dupree, Kentucky
The Denver Broncos hold the 28th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but like in 2014 when Bradley Roby fell all the way to the bottom of the first round, we need to be prepared for a player more talented than his draft slot to fall again this year.
That’s not to assume every great player is going to fall, but I did a fun exercise on Fanspeak’s ‘On The Clock’ mock draft simulator using CBS Sports’ 2015 Big Board rankings database, and I wound up with Kentucky pass rusher Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree sitting there at pick number 28.
Most experts expect Dupree to go within the first 15 picks, but it got me to thinking…what if this guy falls to the 28th pick? Would the Broncos pull the trigger?
Perhaps the better question is — why wouldn’t they?
The Broncos have Von Miller entering a contract year, and going on 33 years of age, DeMarcus Ware is entering year 2/3 with the Broncos, after which his guaranteed money situation could lead to the Broncos re-structuring or figuring something else out.
Yes, I understand the Broncos have some fun prospects in guys like Quanterus Smith, Shaq Barrett, and Lerentee McCray. I realize Miller and Ware are going to see the lion’s share of snaps this season. That said, in the NFL you can never have enough pass rushers and getting an athlete like Dupree would be something the Broncos could not scoff at.
Measurables
Strengths
This is a big, strong, athletic pass rusher who obviously has the type of ability that NFL teams drool over. There’s no wonder he’s being considered as a top 15 selection with the athletic measurables you see here.
For a 270-pound man to run as fast as Dupree, to jump as high as he does, and to have the type of explosiveness he does, guys like Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware might even raise an eyebrow or two.
Dupree was the SEC’s active career sack leader this past season, so he’s been getting to the quarterback for a significant period of time and showing improvement throughout his stay as a Wildcat. He can set the edge with physicality, beat you with speed, and he hits hard.
Having a great position coach and coordinator will be huge for Dupree in the NFL, and the Broncos can certainly offer that.
Weaknesses
Dupree is 6-foot-4 but he doesn’t have the longest of arms, so he can get held in check by bigger, longer offensive tackles at times. He has raw pass rushing skills (moves, hand placement, etc.) and he can sometimes come off like he doesn’t have the greatest grasp on where the play is going.
Fit With Broncos
Dupree would be the ‘sixth man’ for the Broncos’ defense as a pass rusher, and could line up all over the field. It would also be interesting to see him come in and blitz from the middle, drop into coverage, and use his athleticism to the fullest capability that it can be.
The Broncos would then help him transition to the full-time OLB position after DeMarcus Ware’s days as a Bronco are over, and he can pair with Von Miller for the future.