NFL Draft: Alvin 'Bud' Dupree Scouting Report

Alvin Bud' Dupree, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Kentucky

HEIGHT: 6'4"

ARM LENGTH: 32 5/8"

WEIGHT: 269 lbs.

HANDS: 9 3/4"

40-YARD DASH: 4.56 sec

VERTICAL JUMP: 42.0"

BROAD JUMP: 138.0"

20-YARD SHUTTLE: 4.47 sec

3-CONE DRILL:: 7.49 sec

One of the most polarizing prospects of the 2015 NFL draft is Kentucky pass-rusher Alvin 'Bud' Dupree.

At 6'3", 270 pounds, Dupree played in a 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme that saw him used as more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end. This past season, Dupree led all SEC defensive linemen with 74 total tackles to go with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks.

He finished his four-year career with 23.5 sacks, 247 tackles, 38 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles while starting in the final 38 games of his career. Dupree was a terror off the edge, and he could thrive in the NFL if used properly.

What makes him so intriguing is his immense talent and potential, which were evident in brief glimpses in college, but he never consistently dominated a game like a potential top-10 pick should.

What makes Dupree stand out is his speed and burst off the snap. He beats opposing lineman off the snap as good as any prospect in this draft, which is what has scouts drooling over his potential in the NFL.

However, Dupree is like a fish out of water. He struggles to shed blockers and gets stoned when lineman are able to set their base against him. Dupree isn't technically sound either. His dip-and-rip move leaves a lot to be desired of a pass-rusher. He simply cannot get off blocks if he doesn't beat his lineman to the edge.

Dupree's inability to shed blocks translates into the run game as well. He once lineman get theirs mitts on him, Dupree is too often helpless to get free or even maintain his ground. Don't let his high tackle count deceive you. Many of those were hustle tackles, from tackling ball-carriers past the line of scrimmage.

The good news is when Dupree did gets his arms up and his base set, he showed he could toss aside lineman and get to the QB. Tight ends had little chance against Dupree as he tossed them aside. If Dupree could develop his technique and not just rely on his speed, he could become a dominant NFL pass-rusher.

Still, I don't see Dupree making a big impact as a rookie until he further sharpens his technique. He'd be a nice situational pass-rusher. He reminds me a bit of Dee Ford coming out of Auburn last year: Explosive off the snap, but disappears if lineman are able to engage him.

I believe Dupree's best chance to succeed in the NFL is likely as a 3-4 rush backer. His weakness in run defense can be masked easier while giving him more spots to rush the passer from, whereas a 4-3 defensive tends to rush from outside. Dupree rushed from both the outside and interior at Kentucky, and allowing him to move around the line of scrimmage is probably what's best for him in the NFL.

As for what he could become in the NFL, I like Rob Rang's comparison to Titans linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in his evaluation of Dupree.

Productive pass rusher whose success stems from his physical gifts and technique. Dupree possesses long arms, a quick burst, the flexibility to turn the corner and an explosive burst to close when the ball carrier is near. Dupree varies his rushes, lulling opponents to sleep with one speed and surprising them with an occasional extra burst to generate big plays at critical moments.

COMPARES TO: Kamerion Wimbley, Tennessee Titans - Like Wimbley, Dupree has the blend of length and burst to enjoy a long, productive career as an NFL edge rusher. To achieve his full potential, however, he'll need to get stronger in run support.

As for where Dupree could go in this year's draft, it all depends on who you ask. Some think he should go in the top 10, possibly as high as No. 5 to Washington. Others thinks he's a better fit later in the first round to a team like the Colts, Cardinals or Steelers.

Here's a nice scouting video on Dupree by Battle Red Blog's Brett Kollmann: