Scouting Profile: Kentucky DE/OLB Bud Dupree

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class, leading up to the NFL Draft which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.

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Bud Dupree

Position: DE/OLB
School: Kentucky
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 269 lbs.
Age: 22

Combine Results

Strengths

• Stood out at the combine with a 4.56 40 time and 42-inch vertical jump.
• Gets up the field quickly as an edge rusher, often blowing past bigger offensive tackles.
• Pursues well sideline to sideline on plays run to the backside. 
• Locates the ball fast and determines run-versus-pass situations quickly.
• Can drop into zone coverage if needed and shows good instincts covering running backs out of the backfield. 

Weaknesses

• Doesn't always get the best jump off the ball. 
• Could improve his first step and attack blockers quicker in run-stopping situations. 
• Struggles to shed offensive tackles if stonewalled on first move. Has difficulty escaping the grasp after engaging with blockers. 
• Plays too high at times. Needs to attack lower to gain a leverage advantage because of his size. 

NFL player comparison: Tamba Hali

Hali is probably a little stronger and uses his hands better than Dupree when attacking blockers. Both players are excellent athletes, though, and use their speed to get up field quickly while maintaining a solid source of contain on the edge of the line of scrimmage. 

Ideal fit: New Orleans Saints

The Saints finished 31st in total defense last season and need an upgrade on that side of the ball in the worst way. One would think they would be targeting a defensive player in the first round and Dupree would fit Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme well. 

The only team that finished worse than New Orleans last year on defense was division-rival Atlanta. They pick eighth overall and could be targeting Dupree as well, but the Saints will hope he slides to them at 13. 

Draft Projection: Round 1 (5-15)