New Orleans Saints NFL Scouting Combine Watch: DE/OLB Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree
Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Kai De La Cruz (12) catches a pass under the pressure of Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) during the second half at Papa John
After an atrocious season of football in the Crescent City, the New Orleans Saints will look to get back on track by spicing up a soft defense via the 2015 NFL Draft. In a rookie class populated with extreme pass-rushing talent, the Black and Gold may turn to the first round for somebody to get after the quarterback.
Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree is a fascinating specimen that is projected to be taken at the end of the first round. The Kentucky product stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 267 LBS.
As a junior, the Georgia native as named to the Associated Press’ All-SEC second team after finishing second on the team with 61 tackles and adding a team-best 9.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He also forced two fumbles and had three quarterback hurries along with a pass breakup.
In 2014, Dupree added another 74 tackles to his resume as well as eight sacks, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown. He was named First-team All-SEC as a senior.
Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) during the game against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
He is a big body, finding success as a pass rusher due to his physical attributes and technique. Dupree offers long arms, flexibility and an explosive burst for teams in the market for a pass rusher and run stopper.
He knows how to locate the football and makes a number of plays by chasing down ball carriers. Dupree owns a strong work ethic, returning for his senior year to help better Kentucky’s program and earn a degree in Community and Leadership Development.
There aren’t too many flaws that come along with the Wildcats’ team captain, but he could certainly grow stronger in the weight room to better his pursuit around blockers in the backfield.
Dupree could potentially be a long-term option for the Saints, and due to his position flexibility between defensive end and outside linebacker, he would be a great fit for DC Rob Ryan‘s scheme in the Big Easy. Be sure to keep an on this SEC product when the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in late February — he could be a possible replacement for DE Akiem Hicks or OLB Parys Haralson, who both struggled mightily in 2014.