Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 X-factors for the 2019 season
By Samuel Teets
Bud Dupree, LB
The 2015 first-round pick out of Kentucky is in the final season of his rookie contract. Bud Dupree will hit the open market next offseason. The Steelers haven’t engaged him in extension talks because Dupree has largely underachieved to this point.
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He has just 20 sacks through 54 games (four seasons) and has not shown signs of significant continual improvement in recent seasons. His time as being labeled as a player with potential is running out.
The Steelers have led the NFL in sacks in each of the last two seasons thanks mostly to Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt. It’s no secret that the defense has work to do in other areas, but the defense was better last season than people believe.
Pittsburgh’s defense finished sixth in the league in run defense and 10th in pass defense. The Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers were the only other teams to finish in the top ten for both categories. The Steelers defense finished sixth overall in the league.
Where Dupree comes into play is that he represents a potential wild card. The expectations have already been set for played like Devin Bush, Joe Haden and Watt, but Dupree doesn’t have that spotlight on him. In a contract year, the young outside linebacker might put on an inspired performance. While the Steelers defense has been good, a sudden jump in production from Dupree could make the unit great.