So why do people like Fowler so much more than Dupree?
They are physical clones but Dupree was more productive for longer against very similar competition (with less help). And it seems like he is a real high motor guy too.
I didn't see Dupree pass rush much. They moved him all over, had him do a bunch of stuff. I saw him in coverage, a lot really.
If they both hit, I think Dupree has a higher upside. Maybe a lot higher. But I think right now, Fowler is a better pass rusher.
I didn't see Dupree much at KY but he had 91 tackles (12.5 for loss) and 6.5 sacks as a sophomore , as a JR 61 tackles (9.5 for loss) and 7.0 sacks and as a senior he had 74 tackles (12.5 for loss) and 7.5 sacks. Seems like he spent a lot of time in the offensive backfield.
Fowler OTOH had 50 tackles (10.5 for loss) and 3.5 sacks as a sophomore and 61 tackles (15 for loss) and 8.5 sacks as a junior.
And both played in the SEC east.
Dupree also had the combine best numbers in the 40, long jump and broad jump at OLB position during the combine. Fowler was better in the 20 yd shuttle and 3-cone which is no doubt significant.
It is difficult to judge by just the numbers but Dupree sure seems like he was incredibly productive for a longer period. I typically favor that kind of consistency. Kind of like how I prefer Cooper over White.
I am just wondering if Reggie is locked into going defense and Williams is gone if he would consider falling back a few spots in the hope of getting Dupree and picking up a pick or two along the way.
I think that could definitely be in play. It goes back to the herd mentality I keep yapping about. There's absolutely no reason that McKenzie and company couldn't LOVE one or the other at DE, and in a short trade down take one. It's a little bit of a gamble, especially if you are locked in on one, but if the payoff is there (a high 2nd?) it may be worth the risk. Adding another high 2nd rounder is adding another starter for this team. The danger is very real, which might preclude a trade down, because every team behind us could be in play for a DE. WAS right behind us, first and foremost. They run a 3-4, but Fowler and Bud could be projected there, neither is a true 4-3 DE
only.
Watching them on Draft Breakdown, you got to see more of Fowler rushing. Doesn't mean Dupree isn't as good at it, he was used as a read-react 3-4 OLB a lot more. Florida turned Fowler loose a lot more.
Cosell likes Fowler better than Williams as a prospect, BTW. He also said some SEC coaches said they never worried about Dupree as a rusher because Kentucky used him to do so much more. He set the edge, spied a lot, and you can see why. When he diagnoses, and goes after the ball, he gets there in a hurry. I mean, when he turns on the speed, he's all of a sudden the fastest guy on the field.
I like them both more than Beasley and Gregory, because of their size as it pertains to our defense. As a pure pass rusher, I think Gregory is the best, at that one thing. Beasley has the best first step. But Fowler and Dupree I think can be more useful all three downs.
I still like Cooper/Williams more, as I think with the edge guys, there's more projection, what they could do, and Williams and Cooper, can play right now based on what they
have done.
Dupree and Fowler are both considered very high character guys too, Dupree especially gets complimented for it.
