Atlanta Falcons Draft Spotlight: DE Alvin Dupree
At this point, it’s no longer a secret that Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons are looking to shore up the 32nd ranked defense, in particular the pass rush.
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Already we’ve seen the likes of defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and O’Brien Schofield become Falcons via free agency.
However, with the draft a little over two weeks away, the Falcons will draft an edge rusher early and it’s possible they may double dip and grab another later in the draft.
Notable names that have been tossed around as potential Falcons draft picks have been Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory and Shane Ray.
Today we will take a look at another name that is talented and will most definitely be welcomed by Falcons fans on draft day.
Alvin “Bud” Dupree Draft Profile
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270 pounds
“Year one may possess a little of a learning curve but his potential is as high as the clouds”
The initial insight on Dupree is that he is an impressive, freakish looking athlete.
With that frame, he has the strength to take on blockers and in some cases, he tosses them while maintaining focus on the ball carrier.
Dupree always pursues and rarely takes plays off. He is a versatile athlete who can put the hand in the ground or be a stand up rush end. He can also can drop back and play coverage.
He uses his hands very well and displays several pass rushing moves. Dupree also possesses a great work ethic which was evident as he was team captain in 2014.
In addition, he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash and a vertical leap of 42 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine which raised eyebrows and had teams talking.
Need proof of Dupree’s game? Here’s evidence:
There are weaknesses to his game though.
Although he played all four years at Kentucky, he’s still considered raw in some areas such as diagnosing plays and attacking which also creates hesitation issues. A lot of times he relies on just speed and athleticism instead of pass rushing moves to get in the backfield.
Blockers who engage him first sometimes win the battle as he can struggle to shed blocks. He also has to learn how to finish better when bringing down the quarterback.
Overall, Dupree is an athlete who is full of potential. He may be a little raw at this point but he definitely has first round potential. Defensive line coach Bryan Cox and defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Richard Smith would have fun with this kid.
His flaws are teachable in my opinion. What isn’t teachable is how Dupree has natural athleticism.
Year one may possess a little of a learning curve but his potential is as high as the clouds.
Despite his 247 career tackles and 23.5 sacks, the most telling attribute on Dupree was his injury history — he doesn’t possess one.
He played every year, worked hard every year, and grew as a leader and a football player every year. Dupree definitely displays a fast and physical game.
Alvin Dupree Stats
Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CFB: View Original Table
Generated 4/13/2015.
Next: Atlanta Falcons Draft Spotlight: ILB Stephone Anthony