Dallas Cowboys: Bud Dupree can add to defense

If I were in charge of the Dallas Cowboys when the 2015 NFL Draft rolls around, the side of the team that would be improved upon is the defense.

In an earlier article, I said the Cowboys needed to take a close look at defensive end Jordan Phillips of Oklahoma. This time around, let’s take a closer look at Kentucky outside linebacker Bud Dupree.

In his latest mock draft, NFL.com media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Cowboys selecting Dupree, describing him as the following:

"“Dupree hasn’t put it all together yet, but his upside as a pass rusher is sky high.”"

In taking a closer look at the 6-4, 269-pound Dupree, at the combine last week he ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, had a 42-inch vertical jump and his broad jump was 138.0 inches, with all three being a combined top performer status.

How would Dupree improve the Cowboys’ defense? Here is how.

The Cowboys were 11th in total yards allowed with 406.5 yards per game, allowing 6.1 yards per play.

Playing in the SEC for Kentucky, Dupree totaled 74 tackles in 12 games his senior season, including 45 solo and 12.5 for a loss. The OLB also has 7.5 sacks and one interception.

More from Dallas Cowboys

Dupree also forced two fumbles in his final collegiate season as a senior. His overall tackle totals were 247 (146 solo) and 23.5 sacks.

So if the Cowboys ever want a Top 10 defense, they must start drafting high for that side of the ball, and Dupree could be their guy.

The current Cowboys’ depth chart for outside linebackers includes Bruce Carter, Kyle Wilber, Cameron Lawrence, Justin Durant and Keith Smith.

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA;Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Bruce Carter (54) in game action against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New Orleans 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

With his athletic ability and physical traits, Dupree could be the guy who the Cowboys have been looking for to add to a so-so pass rush from last season. In the NFL.com scouting report on Dupree, it says of the OLB:

"“Freakish athlete with chiseled frame … Should be an above average edge-setter. Good transition from playing run to rushing quarterback in play-action. Explosive closing burst. Willing thumper when he has a shot on running back.”"

What is also good to read about the OLB is he is “raw” but has huge growth potential, as also stated in the report.

An athlete like Dupree would be great for any team to have, but just imagine a player like Dupree, who had a 5.94 draft grade, lining up with Demarcus Lawrence, Sean Lee and even Bruce Carter … that could make for a very tough life on NFL defenses, if they all could stay healthy.

Sure, it is said a weakness of Dupree is he is still “raw rushing the passer.” How much of a weakness is that really? Something of that nature is very correctable, and as stated earlier, he is willing to learn.

His NFL comparison is Jamie Collins of the New England Patriots, who last season totaled 115 tackles, four forced fumbles and four sacks.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) pursues Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As someone who has watched the Cowboys have inconsistency on the defensive side as of late, if Dupree can play like Collins, maybe this would be a great choice at the 27th overall selection of the draft.

The Cowboys have other needs on defense as well, but maybe getting that solid, pure athlete linebacker who has the potential to get better is the way to go.

Next: Will Rolando McClain get a deal with the Cowboys?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Dallas Cowboys