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

We continue to focus on some of the top prospects for the 2015 NFL draft

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

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

90-100 = Exceptional Talent

80-90 = Impact Player

70-80 = NFL Starter

60-70 = Solid NFL Potential

50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed

>50 = Undraftable - Long Shot To Stick

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