Pittsburgh Steelers: Predicting role of Bud Dupree in 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Jun 13, 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team on a mission heading into this upcoming season.

With familiar faces retiring on defense, the Steelers are hopeful that first-round draft pick Bud Dupree is a key contributor in an area they desperately need help in. It’s no secret that the Steelers’ pass rush has been lacking these past few years but hopefully with Dupree in the mix, it will be much-improved against opponents in 2015. What should fans expect when it comes to Dupree’s role on defense once the games actually start to matter?

It’s not easy to transition from the college scene to the pros but Dupree so far has been making strides in the right direction. With his high football IQ and ability to absorb defensive scheming well, Dupree should see a rotational role with the Steelers that will have the team utilize his speed and tackling abilities in key situations.

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If Dupree can bring the success he had at Kentucky to the Steelers, he will absolutely be one of the top defensive players to watch this upcoming season. If he’s eased in properly and used correctly, he’ll be racking up sacks and creating huge defensive stops with precision.

At Kentucky, he amassed 247 tackles, 23.5 sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles. If his ability of being an aggressive tackling machine continues at the pro-level, there is no telling the kind of productive season he will have with the Steelers.

In an article written by Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com, here is what outside linebackers coach Joey Porter had to say so far of Dupree’s performance during organized team activities:

"“I mean we’re asking him to go out there and play football at a high level, pick up the concept of the defense and learn it in a fashionable amount of time for us to be ready to play,” Porter said, “and he accepts the challenge. He’s just a smart guy,” Porter said. “Just a guy that takes this personal, understands where he was drafted at and understands the stuff that we’re asking him is not a lot.”"

May 26, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers James Harrison (92) and Bud Dupree (48) participate in OTA drills at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Considering that Dupree is living up to the hype while saying and doing all the right things thus far, it’s clear that his head in the right state of mind to deliver in 2015. With his strength and solid work ethic, Dupree is already making a name for himself before his eventual NFL debut.

Expect to see him share some playing time with linebacker James Harrison which does two key things for the Steelers’ defense. It’ll rest one of their proven veterans while also giving Dupree some valuable experience as he gets to see the real deal from opposing offenses.

It makes sense for the Steelers to put Harrison on some kind of snap count to keep him fresh all season long. This is an incredible situation for Dupree to be in as he can learn so much through Harrison as if he keeps up his progression, could very well be his future replacement.

Overall, the potential is definitely there for Dupree as he will definitely be a top defensive player to watch in 2015. Keep an eye for his speed and tenacity on the field this upcoming season as if he delivers and starts to terrorize quarterbacks, Dupree could be one of the big pieces the Steelers have been looking for on their defense to really push the envelope in 2015.

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers: Is Shamarko Thomas the next Troy Polamalu?

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