✦✦✦ Official 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread &#10 (1 Viewer)

[pghrob]

The depth at the WR position in this draft could lead them there, but I wouldn't expect them to prioritize it at all. If the BPA is a WR in the 4th round on, sure. Otherwise, there are too many serviceable FA WRs available

Agree. Why take a guy like Coates in 3 when you could wait and take a guy like, say, Kenny Bell(who's also plus returner) or the aforementioned Lockett a round or so later?

Spend the premium picks(top 3, in my mind) on defense.

I could see them maybe trade to move up in the 5th round on a high upside guy like Tre McBride if he is still on the board after the 4th round.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

5. BYRON JONES, Connecticut (6-0 ½, 199. 4.42, 1-2): Started at FS in 2011-'12 before moving to CB in 2013-'14. "Blew up the combine," one scout said. "You see those things on the field. Really good movement skills. He played better in press." Finished with 223 tackles (3 ½ for loss), eight picks and 18 PBUs. His broad jump of 12-3 probably was longer than any player's in NFL annals. Also posted a vertical jump of 44½ and had 33 on the Wonderlic. "Doesn't play as well as he works out," said a second scout. "Doesn't have great instincts. Little stiff at the top. But all those big long guys are in vogue now because all the receivers are 6-8." Underwent shoulder surgery (labrum) near midseason. "No, he can't cover," a third scout said. "I don't think he's got the feel." From New Britain, Conn.

The part in red is what frightens me. Round 3, sure. Round 1?

I am not necessarily advocating Jones over Johnson or Peters but I think all of these scouting reports have red flags. For instance:

3. MARCUS PETERS, ex-Washington (5-11 ½, 196, 4.50, 1-2):Fourth-year junior. "He's an interesting fellow," said one scout. "He plays well so somebody will take him because of that. He didn't run quite as fast as you wish he did. Whether anybody takes him in the first round is suspect." Played three seasons, starting 27 of 35 games before being booted off the team in November after several confrontations with members of the Huskies' coaching staff. Finished with 129 tackles (9 ½ for loss), 11 picks and 35 PBUs. "He's very, very smooth," another scout said. "Good press man. Played a lot of zone in bail technique. He gives inconsistent effort. Needs to be more physical. Inconsistent tackler. He's a high grabber. At the school they said he was talented, immature, headstrong, not a team guy and mouthy on and off the field. I gave him a third-round grade. He was just so inconsistent." Played at McClymond High in Oakland. Wonderlic of 13. "He's not talented enough to where he's a top-10 pick and you say, 'I'll take the issues and deal with him,'" a third scout said. "He lived with Marshawn Lynch. This is a guy ...I don't think anything has ever been his fault. Guess what? People that think that way usually have more issues."

Lots of red flags for Peters as well.

Peters has a ton of red flags, but they're pretty much all off the field stuff. Between the lines, he covers better than anyone in this draft class, including Trae Waynes. Beyond that, "inconsistent tackler" is all I see that knocks his playing ability, and even that I don't wholeheartedly agree with. I've seen him bring the lumber and I've seen him wrap. There's nothing he can't do on a football field that can't be coached.

Now, if he's a knucklehead/ignoramus, that's another story. Steelers spent a lot of time with him, so they've heard his "side of the story." I wasn't privy to those meetings, so I don't know what the takeaway was. I'm just going by what I see on the TV. Peters is the best cover corner in this draft and Jones I don't believe will ever start a game as an outside CB, and if he does, he'll get torched. I know who I'd rather have in round 1 and if Peters is off their board, maybe they go a different position. They could surprise us and take Eli Harold or Odighizuwa or even an offensive lineman.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think there is a good chance both Gregory and Ray drop to the Steelers pick. It would not surprise me if Gregory goes to Pittsburgh and Ray ends up at Baltimore.

Ray's arrest puts him in the NFL's susbstance abuse program - no idea if Gregory will be subject to the program also.

Gregory may actually be worse. Ray is subject to the "behavioral" portion of Stage 1. No punishment and if he keeps clean for 90 days (or so) it would be like he never was in stage 1. Gregory failed a drug test so stage 1 is on his "permanent record" so to say. Some light reading. https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/Drug_SOA_Policy_9-29-14.pdf

All drug/suspension/charactor/ankle bracelet issues put aside for the sake of discussion -- who do you guys like as the better player between the two of them?

Probably Ray, but it'd be close. Wish he were a little taller. The Mizzou thing has me spooked a little too. Those guys haven't panned out very frequently of late.

 

[hammerva]

Ourr top cornerback on the team is Will Allen who is average right now. Antwon Blake has potential but still a long way to go. You lost your hall of famer at safety and our best guy is Mike freaking Mitchell. Why anyone thinks they don't need to draft a corner in the first round is baffling.

So I am sure that will we draft another linebacker. Hopefully this year linebacker turns out to be better than last year 1st round pick linebacker.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ourr top cornerback on the team is Will Allen who is average right now. Antwon Blake has potential but still a long way to go. You lost your hall of famer at safety and our best guy is Mike freaking Mitchell. Why anyone thinks they don't need to draft a corner in the first round is baffling.

So I am sure that will we draft another linebacker. Hopefully this year linebacker turns out to be better than last year 1st round pick linebacker.

Will Allen is a safety but your point is well taken. I think everyone knows they need help in the secondary. I will be surprised if 2 of the top 4 picks aren't defensive backs.

ETA: They also need an edge pass-rusher so an OLB will almost definitely be taken with one of their top 3 picks.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

They need to take 2 edge rushers in the top 4 as well, in my mind.

Totally fine with CB/CB, LB/LB in whatever order for first four picks.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think there is a good chance both Gregory and Ray drop to the Steelers pick. It would not surprise me if Gregory goes to Pittsburgh and Ray ends up at Baltimore.

Ray's arrest puts him in the NFL's susbstance abuse program - no idea if Gregory will be subject to the program also.

Gregory may actually be worse. Ray is subject to the "behavioral" portion of Stage 1. No punishment and if he keeps clean for 90 days (or so) it would be like he never was in stage 1. Gregory failed a drug test so stage 1 is on his "permanent record" so to say. Some light reading. https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/Drug_SOA_Policy_9-29-14.pdf

All drug/suspension/charactor/ankle bracelet issues put aside for the sake of discussion -- who do you guys like as the better player between the two of them?

Probably Ray, but it'd be close. Wish he were a little taller. The Mizzou thing has me spooked a little too. Those guys haven't panned out very frequently of late.

Ray also has a toe injury which may or may not require surgery.

 

[Franknbeans]

Ourr top cornerback on the team is Will Allen who is average right now. Antwon Blake has potential but still a long way to go. You lost your hall of famer at safety and our best guy is Mike freaking Mitchell. Why anyone thinks they don't need to draft a corner in the first round is baffling.

So I am sure that will we draft another linebacker. Hopefully this year linebacker turns out to be better than last year 1st round pick linebacker.

I think there is the real possibility of all the top corners being taken before 22 which would put into play the OLB/DE players

 

[3C's]

5. BYRON JONES, Connecticut (6-0 ½, 199. 4.42, 1-2): Started at FS in 2011-'12 before moving to CB in 2013-'14. "Blew up the combine," one scout said. "You see those things on the field. Really good movement skills. He played better in press." Finished with 223 tackles (3 ½ for loss), eight picks and 18 PBUs. His broad jump of 12-3 probably was longer than any player's in NFL annals. Also posted a vertical jump of 44½ and had 33 on the Wonderlic. "Doesn't play as well as he works out," said a second scout. "Doesn't have great instincts. Little stiff at the top. But all those big long guys are in vogue now because all the receivers are 6-8." Underwent shoulder surgery (labrum) near midseason. "No, he can't cover," a third scout said. "I don't think he's got the feel." From New Britain, Conn.

The part in red is what frightens me. Round 3, sure. Round 1?

Not really sure who Bob McGinn is but Daniel Jeremiah, who actually was employed as a scout, has always had him in his top 50. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-ikJQLIEAA4l_D.jpg:large

 

[3C's]

I think there is a good chance both Gregory and Ray drop to the Steelers pick. It would not surprise me if Gregory goes to Pittsburgh and Ray ends up at Baltimore.

Ray's arrest puts him in the NFL's susbstance abuse program - no idea if Gregory will be subject to the program also.

Gregory may actually be worse. Ray is subject to the "behavioral" portion of Stage 1. No punishment and if he keeps clean for 90 days (or so) it would be like he never was in stage 1. Gregory failed a drug test so stage 1 is on his "permanent record" so to say. Some light reading. https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/Drug_SOA_Policy_9-29-14.pdf

All drug/suspension/charactor/ankle bracelet issues put aside for the sake of discussion -- who do you guys like as the better player between the two of them?

Ray by far. Gregory is too "little" for the position. You see how Jarvis gets handled by NFL tackles and Gregory weighs less.

 

[3C's]

The depth at the WR position in this draft could lead them there, but I wouldn't expect them to prioritize it at all. If the BPA is a WR in the 4th round on, sure. Otherwise, there are too many serviceable FA WRs available

Agree. Why take a guy like Coates in 3 when you could wait and take a guy like, say, Kenny Bell(who's also plus returner) or the aforementioned Lockett a round or so later?

Spend the premium picks(top 3, in my mind) on defense.

I could see them maybe trade to move up in the 5th round on a high upside guy like Tre McBride if he is still on the board after the 4th round.

Love Tre (local guy) but he might go in the 3rd. Almost certain he will go in the 4th at worst.

 

[3C's]

Ourr top cornerback on the team is Will Allen who is average right now. Antwon Blake has potential but still a long way to go. You lost your hall of famer at safety and our best guy is Mike freaking Mitchell. Why anyone thinks they don't need to draft a corner in the first round is baffling.

So I am sure that will we draft another linebacker. Hopefully this year linebacker turns out to be better than last year 1st round pick linebacker.

Will Allen is a safety but your point is well taken. I think everyone knows they need help in the secondary. I will be surprised if 2 of the top 4 picks aren't defensive backs.

ETA: They also need an edge pass-rusher so an OLB will almost definitely be taken with one of their top 3 picks.

I think they're fine at safety really. For now. If Shamarko can stay healthy (big if). Shamarko/Mitchell/Allen/Golden. If Cortez gets his confidence back and plays up to his contract the situation isn't quite as dire, but that's another big if.

 

[pghrob]

The depth at the WR position in this draft could lead them there, but I wouldn't expect them to prioritize it at all. If the BPA is a WR in the 4th round on, sure. Otherwise, there are too many serviceable FA WRs available

Agree. Why take a guy like Coates in 3 when you could wait and take a guy like, say, Kenny Bell(who's also plus returner) or the aforementioned Lockett a round or so later?

Spend the premium picks(top 3, in my mind) on defense.

I could see them maybe trade to move up in the 5th round on a high upside guy like Tre McBride if he is still on the board after the 4th round.

Love Tre (local guy) but he might go in the 3rd. Almost certain he will go in the 4th at worst.

You 757 too? I was hoping he might slip due to being FCS, but yes, most have him as 3rd round / top 100.

 

[3C's]

The depth at the WR position in this draft could lead them there, but I wouldn't expect them to prioritize it at all. If the BPA is a WR in the 4th round on, sure. Otherwise, there are too many serviceable FA WRs available

Agree. Why take a guy like Coates in 3 when you could wait and take a guy like, say, Kenny Bell(who's also plus returner) or the aforementioned Lockett a round or so later?

Spend the premium picks(top 3, in my mind) on defense.

I could see them maybe trade to move up in the 5th round on a high upside guy like Tre McBride if he is still on the board after the 4th round.

Love Tre (local guy) but he might go in the 3rd. Almost certain he will go in the 4th at worst.

You 757 too? I was hoping he might slip due to being FCS, but yes, most have him as 3rd round / top 100.

Yeah, right down the road from W&M. Another W&M guy I really loved watching who could get drafted is Mike Reilly. Great player but kind of a tweener who isn't fast enough.

 

[3C's]

2 rb's in the top 15 can't hurt Steelers chances of landing a LB or CB.

 

[3C's]

Well, don't have to worry about the Kevin Johnson vs whoever pick now.

 

[hammerva]

And Peters is now gone at corner.

Looks like another season with no help in the secondary. Better have a huge pass rush

 

[Idiot Boxer]

This is actually good. Bud Dupree and Shane Ray left with 4 to go

 

[hammerva]

This is actually good. Bud Dupree and Shane Ray left with 4 to go

Oh yeah I am sure Ray is going to be great when he isn't going to be on suspension. Too stupid to not stay clean during draft week then I don't want to deal with him

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Agree. Hoping for Dupree. 1 to go.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Dupree, Ray, Gregory all there. Gotta be OLB

 

[belljr]

Like it

 

[HellToupee]

hated the Jarvis Jones pick at the time

love the DuPree pick

 

[belljr]

Secondary is still going to suck EG balls

 

[Cookiemonster]

Difficult to judge a secondary when every QB has 5-6 seconds to throw...

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Very happy with Dupree. Raw, but he has everything you need. Speed-to-power, etc

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

BPA and a need without moving up. Gotta like it.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Very happy with Dupree. Raw, but he has everything you need. Speed-to-power, etc

This.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Secondary is still going to suck EG balls

:rubshandstogether:

 

[H8fulHuck]

Very happy about Dupree. BPA and great character.

Pittsburgh has some very talented pieces who need to put it together and become a disruptive force up front.

 

[SYMPHONY X]

Harrison, Timmons, Shazier, Dupree. A healthy Jarvis Jones who becomes at least an average LB--one can only hope we go from a pitiful 33 sacks last year, to about 45 this year! Hopefully snag a serviceable CB's in rounds 2-4. Continue re-building that D!

 

[SYMPHONY X]

Perriman to the Ravens...6'2, runs a 4.27 40. No one on the Steelers roster right now that can cover him. We may need that improved pass rush much sooner than later! Hoping the Steelers will trade up in the 2nd round to grab a decent CB/Safety if one falls.

 

[3C's]

Harrison, Timmons, Shazier, Dupree. A healthy Jarvis Jones who becomes at least an average LB--one can only hope we go from a pitiful 33 sacks last year, to about 45 this year! Hopefully snag a serviceable CB's in rounds 2-4. Continue re-building that D!

Dupree will be playing the left side where Worilds was. Not sure how quickly he'll be playing but considering who they have he'll probably play some pretty quickly. If jarvis can get it going there's 3 promising young guys there in Dupree, Shazier and Jones. Not bad.

Hope Jalen Collins can continue to drop for a few more hours tomorrow night.

 

[Fiddles]

Pff not a fan

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/30/2015-draft-reaction-blog-day-1/

22: Pittsburgh Steelers

Bud Dupree, ED, Kentucky

As bad a pick as has been made so far based solely on tape. Dupree is a tremendous athlete, but hes far from a tremendous football player at this point. He generated his pressure at Kentucky beating up on bad tackles and wasnt all that productive. Hes going to need an awful lot of coaching up on a Steelers team that is in desperate need of some pass rush now given how badly Jarvis Jones has panned out. Dupree had the 23rd highest grade of edge rushers against Power 5 teams based on his production. The patient Pittsburgh Steelers arent likely to let their need for edge rush force them into playing Dupree before he is ready which is a blessing in a lot of ways.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

No CB worth taking there. Dupree was the guy. Need to address the secondary in the next two rounds

 

[Fiddles]

Kaboly

http://triblive.com/mobile/8224673-96/steelers-season-dupree

Williamson

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/13583/total-breakdown-steelers-draft-olb-bud-dupree-in-first-round

Kazora

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/04/2015-nfl-draft-player-profiles-kentucky-olb-alvin-dupree/

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Alonzo Jackson 2.0

 

[3C's]

Pff not a fan

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/30/2015-draft-reaction-blog-day-1/

22: Pittsburgh Steelers

Bud Dupree, ED, Kentucky

As bad a pick as has been made so far based solely on tape. Dupree is a tremendous athlete, but hes far from a tremendous football player at this point. He generated his pressure at Kentucky beating up on bad tackles and wasnt all that productive. Hes going to need an awful lot of coaching up on a Steelers team that is in desperate need of some pass rush now given how badly Jarvis Jones has panned out. Dupree had the 23rd highest grade of edge rushers against Power 5 teams based on his production. The patient Pittsburgh Steelers arent likely to let their need for edge rush force them into playing Dupree before he is ready which is a blessing in a lot of ways.

Well they certainly seem to know what they're talking about. http://www.phillyvoice.com/lesean-mccoy-sucks-espn-and-profootballfocus/ http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/2014/06/can-pro-football-focus-stats-be-blindly-trusted

 

[BigSteelThrill]

CBS hands out a single A+ for the first round... guess who.

 

[3C's]

5. BYRON JONES, Connecticut (6-0 ½, 199. 4.42, 1-2): Started at FS in 2011-'12 before moving to CB in 2013-'14. "Blew up the combine," one scout said. "You see those things on the field. Really good movement skills. He played better in press." Finished with 223 tackles (3 ½ for loss), eight picks and 18 PBUs. His broad jump of 12-3 probably was longer than any player's in NFL annals. Also posted a vertical jump of 44½ and had 33 on the Wonderlic. "Doesn't play as well as he works out," said a second scout. "Doesn't have great instincts. Little stiff at the top. But all those big long guys are in vogue now because all the receivers are 6-8." Underwent shoulder surgery (labrum) near midseason. "No, he can't cover," a third scout said. "I don't think he's got the feel." From New Britain, Conn.

The part in red is what frightens me. Round 3, sure. Round 1?

Not really sure who Bob McGinn is but Daniel Jeremiah, who actually was employed as a scout, has always had him in his top 50. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-ikJQLIEAA4l_D.jpg:large

I was going to be like "see, he went in the 1st!" but then I realized it was the Cowboys who made the pick.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

5. BYRON JONES, Connecticut (6-0 ½, 199. 4.42, 1-2): Started at FS in 2011-'12 before moving to CB in 2013-'14. "Blew up the combine," one scout said. "You see those things on the field. Really good movement skills. He played better in press." Finished with 223 tackles (3 ½ for loss), eight picks and 18 PBUs. His broad jump of 12-3 probably was longer than any player's in NFL annals. Also posted a vertical jump of 44½ and had 33 on the Wonderlic. "Doesn't play as well as he works out," said a second scout. "Doesn't have great instincts. Little stiff at the top. But all those big long guys are in vogue now because all the receivers are 6-8." Underwent shoulder surgery (labrum) near midseason. "No, he can't cover," a third scout said. "I don't think he's got the feel." From New Britain, Conn.

The part in red is what frightens me. Round 3, sure. Round 1?

Not really sure who Bob McGinn is but Daniel Jeremiah, who actually was employed as a scout, has always had him in his top 50. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-ikJQLIEAA4l_D.jpg:large

I was going to be like "see, he went in the 1st!" but then I realized it was the Cowboys who made the pick.

I was pretty confident that he was going to go in the top 40 picks at the very least and likely in round 1, I just didn't want the Steelers to be the ones that took him. I think he can be a good FS, I just think leaving him on an island as a CB could be a disaster.

 

[Godsbrother]

Pff not a fan

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/30/2015-draft-reaction-blog-day-1/

22: Pittsburgh Steelers

Bud Dupree, ED, Kentucky

As bad a pick as has been made so far based solely on tape. Dupree is a tremendous athlete, but hes far from a tremendous football player at this point. He generated his pressure at Kentucky beating up on bad tackles and wasnt all that productive. Hes going to need an awful lot of coaching up on a Steelers team that is in desperate need of some pass rush now given how badly Jarvis Jones has panned out. Dupree had the 23rd highest grade of edge rushers against Power 5 teams based on his production. The patient Pittsburgh Steelers arent likely to let their need for edge rush force them into playing Dupree before he is ready which is a blessing in a lot of ways.

Dale Lolley isn't impressed either:

Regular followers of this blog know I am no Bud Dupree fan. I see his athleticism and size and know why a team would want to select him in the first round. What I didn't always see in the tape that I watched was production. And that's kind of important.Apparently, the 21 teams that picked ahead of the Steelers on Thursday saw some of that as well. That's why a guy who many saw as a top 10 to 15 pick fell to 22.

The Steelers certainly had a need at outside linebacker. They need production out of the outside linebacker position to make their defense work. But I don't know that Dupree will be anything more than a situational pass rusher this year - and maybe even in the future. Now, everything the team said about him following the draft says they feel they can mold him into an every-down player. And perhaps they can.

But I see a player who lacks good football instincts when it comes to diagnosing things quickly. Again, maybe that can be worked on. The ceiling is high on Dupree. He could be a game-changer in the DeMarcus Ware mold. But he could also be the next Huey Richardson.

He's a project in the first round and I'm not big on taking projects in the first round, especially when your most important player, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has a Super Bowl window that is closing.

A reference to Huey Richardson is not what you want to see...

 

[Franknbeans]

Dale's a hack

 

[moondog]

Picking Dupree is no different from picking Decastro when he fell in the draft - Dupree was higher rated on the Steelers board than any of the remaining DB's. I expect it wasn't even close between him and Jones.

Dupree being at a position of great need is just icing on the cake.

There are plenty of good DB prospects left including my favorite - Ronald Darby who could last till the Steelers pick in the 2ND.

Here's a good summary of Dupree from Walter Football --

"

Despite spending the past few seasons as one of the best defensive players in the SEC, Dupree went under the radar playing at Kentucky. He is a big, fast, edge rusher who can be a force on the edge.

Dupree became an every-down player in 2012 and had an impressive debut. The sophomore totaled 91 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and a pass batted. Dupree stayed consistent in his production as a junior with 61 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one pass broken up and seven sacks.

In 2014, Dupree recorded 74 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, one pass batted, one interception, two forced fumbles and 7.5 sacks. He was much more disruptive than the numbers illustrate, and his sack production was hurt by going against eight read-option offenses. Even though Dupree didn't have a huge stat line, he was very good against Florida as he caused a lot of disruption with pressure. Dupree had a huge pick-six against South Carolina in Kentucky's seven-point upset win. The Wildcats also played from behind quite a bit in the second half of the year, and that led to fewer pass-rushing opportunities for Dupree as teams ran the ball against Kentucky.

For the NFL, Dupree has the speed and strength to be a tough battle for offensive tackles. Dupree would be a star of the all-looks team with his body type. As a pass-rusher, he can burn tackles with a speed rush yet also is strong enough to fight them off with his hands. Dupree can shed blocks and win with a bull rush as well. He could use more refinement with his pass-rushing moves, but he has the potential to be a double-digit sack producer as a pro. Dupree is also a good run-defender. He is strong at the point of attack and is able to maintain his gap. Furthermore, Dupree pursues well and has a good motor.

Read more at http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2015adupree.php#VIpBVvqPKUH64H2W.99 "

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I don't think Lolley is a hack(that's Kaboly), but he is totally off the reservation when it comes to analyzing football players(he's also got thin skin, and it makes him a bit of a girl sometimes and a grump at others. But not the cool/entertaining "Bouchette" sort of curmudgeon). He's a reporter, not a scout. He tends to forget that frequently. His blog is more of a column though, so he's free to post his opinion I suppose. Still doesn't make him a scout any more than it makes anyone posting in this thread one. I'm willing to bet quite a few more people in here have watched more of Dupree's actual games than Dale has. Anyway, I digress...

Wonder how his world collided when he found out that he and PFF(whom he consistently derides) shared an opinion.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Pff not a fan

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/30/2015-draft-reaction-blog-day-1/

22: Pittsburgh Steelers

Bud Dupree, ED, Kentucky

As bad a pick as has been made so far based solely on tape. Dupree is a tremendous athlete, but hes far from a tremendous football player at this point. He generated his pressure at Kentucky beating up on bad tackles and wasnt all that productive. Hes going to need an awful lot of coaching up on a Steelers team that is in desperate need of some pass rush now given how badly Jarvis Jones has panned out. Dupree had the 23rd highest grade of edge rushers against Power 5 teams based on his production. The patient Pittsburgh Steelers arent likely to let their need for edge rush force them into playing Dupree before he is ready which is a blessing in a lot of ways.

Dale Lolley isn't impressed either:

Regular followers of this blog know I am no Bud Dupree fan. I see his athleticism and size and know why a team would want to select him in the first round. What I didn't always see in the tape that I watched was production. And that's kind of important.Apparently, the 21 teams that picked ahead of the Steelers on Thursday saw some of that as well. That's why a guy who many saw as a top 10 to 15 pick fell to 22.

The Steelers certainly had a need at outside linebacker. They need production out of the outside linebacker position to make their defense work. But I don't know that Dupree will be anything more than a situational pass rusher this year - and maybe even in the future. Now, everything the team said about him following the draft says they feel they can mold him into an every-down player. And perhaps they can.

But I see a player who lacks good football instincts when it comes to diagnosing things quickly. Again, maybe that can be worked on. The ceiling is high on Dupree. He could be a game-changer in the DeMarcus Ware mold. But he could also be the next Huey Richardson.

He's a project in the first round and I'm not big on taking projects in the first round, especially when your most important player, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has a Super Bowl window that is closing.

A reference to Huey Richardson is not what you want to see...

He also made reference to DeMarcus Ware.

 

[3C's]

http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/Media-reacts-to-Bud-Dupree-selection-37061621

 

[Spike]

CBS hands out a single A+ for the first round... guess who.

But that same site gave Indy an "A" for the Phillip Dorsett pick, so...

 

[3C's]

CBS hands out a single A+ for the first round... guess who.

But that same site gave Indy an "A" for the Phillip Dorsett pick, so...

What's wrong with the Dorsett pick?

 

[moondog]

Read Arizona tried to move ahead of Pittsburgh to take Dupree.