:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46204110/GettyImages-457998806.0.jpg)
Alvin "Bud" Dupree(6'4", 269 lbs) has seen his pre-draft rankings skyrocket after this year's NFL Scouting Combine. He wasn't even on the first round radar before, but this week has been placed in the Top 10 in several mock drafts. Dupree was a top performer at the Underwear Olympics among DEs for the 40-yard dash(4.56), vertical jump(42 in), and broad jump(138 in). His numbers also gave him the 3rd highest Sparq score among Edge Rushers, behind only Davis Tull and Vic Beasley. Football Outsiders SackSEER projection also has him as the third highest rated Edge Rusherbased on their formula that factors in "explosion index"(40, vertical jump, broad jump), 3-cone drill, per game sack productivity and more. Only Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory were ranked higher in projection sack production.
I've talked to several personnel guys that think Dupree is going to get picked ahead of Beasley and Ray. Bigger/stronger
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 24, 2015
Yeserday we published our list of pre-draft meetings, visits, and workouts, and Bud Dupree's name appears on it because the Redskins met him at his Pro Day. He was not brought in for a pre-draft visit to Redskins Park, and the team did not travel to his school for a private workout. Aaron Wilson from the Baltimore Sun is reporting that now the Redskins plan to travel to Georgia to meet with Dupree, bringing their entire defensive staff.
Redskins sending defensive staff to Macon, Ga., to meet with Bud Dupree on Monday according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) April 23, 2015
There are only 6 days left until the draft begins next Thursday, and it appears the team wants to keep all options open. Dupree has been mocked as high as #6 to the New York Jets recently, are the Redskins really considering him at #5? It's more likely that they are aggressively pursuing a trade down in the first round, which would likely cause them to miss out on defensive linemen like Leonard Williams and edge rushers like Dante Fowler, Jr. and Vic Beasley. Dupree could be a target in the 8-13 range if he is still available. While he is considered a top 3 OLB by some analysts, others still have concerns about his game at the next level that could cause him to not meet his current projections. Terms like workout warrior and project get thrown around, which will make any team skeptical to use a Top 5 pick unless the tap can back up the athletic potential. Other pass rushers like Randy Gregory(weight, drugs) and Shane Ray(foot injury) have seen their draft stock fall recently which has helped Dupree rise, but not all teams will share that opinion.
STRENGTHS: Freakish athlete with chiseled frame. Posted incredible 42-inch vertical leap and 4.56 40 at the combine while weighing 269 pounds. Outstanding power with ability to rag-doll tight ends at will. Should be an above average edge-setter. Good transition from playing run to rushing quarterback in play-action. Explosive closing burst. Willing thumper when he has a shot on running back. Can drop into space and play zone. Raw, but learning with huge growth potential as a player. Has strength at the point to be a physical edge-setter. Scouts give him plus grade for character.
WEAKNESSES: Tall but not long. Wins with athleticism over skill at this point. Some scouts believe his instincts are below average, leading to hesitation. Will get caught taking bad angles to the ball. Needs to improve hand fighting. Still raw rushing the passer. Doesn't possess a go-to pass-rush move. Appears to lack urgency in-game.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Round 1
SOURCES TELL US: "He's a little slow to diagnose, which causes him to get a late start on plays. I would ask him to drop into space in zone dog looks and that's about it. To me, he's a pure see 'em, get 'em 3-4 rush end." -- NFC East regional scout
NFL COMPARISON: Jamie Collins
BOTTOM LINE: Dupree is an explosive, powerful athlete with a background in basketball. While he's been productive at Kentucky, his tape doesn't always do his potential justice. He must continue to improve as a pass rusher, but his traits are undeniable. Difference between being good and great might be his coordinator.
Mark Bullock's Closer Look at Bud Dupree
Dupree is a project at this point, certainly as a pass rusher. There will be teams that love his athleticism and believe their coaches can get the best out of him. There will be others that think he's a workout warrior and it doesn't translate on the field.
I don't expect Dupree to be particularly productive as a pass rusher in his rookie season. Whichever team drafts him will need to be patient and willing to spend the time to coach him up. But if he responds to good coaching, then his athleticism could help him become a top pass rusher down the line.