Scouting The Draft: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Introduction

When I first saw Alvin Dupree, I wasn't all that impressed, it was 2012 and he looked a like a decent but not dominant player. Slowly get more disruptive, he was an impact player on more and more plays and after going back to watch the 2014 tape a second time, It's easy to see why he is regarded as one of the most talented defensive end, outside linebacking prospects in this draft, however, consistency is the key. He's slated to be selected in the first round and while he'll probably drop behind the likes of Gregory, Ray and Fowler, he's still a very good talent.

Alvin has been productive in college but his potential is still untapped. He can be dominant but he's also highly inconsistent, usually players fall either side of the line. They either become disruptive pass rushers in the NFL or they become inconsistent busts, what does this mean? It means he's a risk. He performed extremely well at the combine and he was a top performer in the 40, vertical and broad. So which side will he fall on? There are 32 teams trying to figure that out right now.

Measurables

Height: 6'4

Weight: 269lb's

Arms: 32 5/8

Hands: 9 3/4

40: 4.56

Vertical: 42

Broad: 138

Statistics

Year	Tackles	Sacks	Tackles for a Loss	FF	PD	INT
2014	74	7.5	12.5	2	1	1
2013	61	7	9.5	2	1	0
2012	91	6.5	12.5	0	1	0
2011	21	2.5	2.5	0	2	0

Positives

+ Fantastic combination of speed and size, very athletic and explosive.

+ Dropped into coverage a fair bit at Kentucky and looked good in doing so, very fluid in space.

+ Good recognition skills, sets the edge well and doesn't lose containment.

+ Powerful player who plays with a good base and can move tackles and guards.

+ Closing speed is exceptional.

+ Apparently he is easy to coach, and a fast learner.

+ Sound tackler who likes to put the hammer down on runners.

+ Can play with above average technique, using hands well.

Negatives

- Highly inconsistent player who looks different play-by-play.

- Can peak inside and get caught up with his blocker.

- He knows how to use his hands, but he just doesn't do it on a consistent basis.

- With his talent, he should have had more production in college.

- Does he have elite instincts, this aspect has been questioned by many

- Doesn't have the ideal length for the position to get around the outside.

- Pass rusher moves? I didn't see many. Used on Stunts and Loops to get good avenues to QB.

Conclusion

I have a real problem with Dupree. He has the potential to be a dominant force, but he is so inconsistent, it worries me. He made a lot of good plays in college, but you want to see him make even more. He knows how to play with proper technique, he just doesn't do it very often. I watched a number of games from last year and he was hardly ever double-teamed, unlike players like Gregory, Ray, Fowler and Beasley, yet he still didn't light it up. He flashes his potential as a dominant pass rusher, then he gets bullied by a tight end on the next play. If you can coach him up to be more consistent you may have a fantastic prospect on your hands. if you can't coach out the inconsistency, you're probably in trouble.

Draft Grade: 78

Year	Tackles	Sacks	TFL	Forced Fumbles	Pass Defense	Interceptions
2014	74	7.5	12.5	2	2	1
2013	64	7	9.5	2	1	0
2012	91	6.5	12.5	0	1	0
2011	21	2.5	2.5	0	1