NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alvin Dupree
Scout’s Take
Strengths: CBSSports.com’s Rob Rang said of Dupree’s strengths, “Productive pass rusher whose success stems from his physical gifts and technique. Dupree possesses long arms, a quick burst, the flexibility to turn the corner and an explosive burst to close when the ballcarrier is near. Dupree varies his rushes, lulling opponents to sleep with one speed and surprising them with an occasional extra burst to generate big plays at critical moments.
“He locates the football quickly and is passionate in pursuit, making a number of his plays yards downfield after his initial rush went for naught. He shows the ability to stalk ballcarriers, catching up and closing emphatically for the type of big hits (even from behind) that can result in forced fumbles.
“He isn’t afraid to leave to his feet and dive to make the tackle, showing good hand-eye coordination to trip up ball-carriers. Good agility and awareness to evade cut-blocks and is a coordinated, cognizant defender in coverage. Was often asked to drop or flatten out his rushes due to his role in Kentucky’s defense and should be able to handle these responsibilities in the NFL. When run at, Dupree shows good lateral agility to slip past the bigger, slower opponents, as well as an understanding of leverage to get under their pads and to create a pile to plug-up the action.
“The staff at Kentucky speaks highly of Dupree’s work ethic and willingness to switch positions to help the team. Dupree, who has gained 15 pounds of muscle since signing with the Wildcats and was voted a team captain last year, specifically mentioned that he returned for his senior campaign “to help Coach Stoops with the program” and is on pace to graduate with a degree in Community and Leadership Development.”
Weaknesses: Rang said of is weaknesses, “Needs to get stronger. Struggles to rip himself free once engaged, relying on his agility and savvy to slip by would-be blockers, rather than physically breaking their grasp. Rarely gets his hands up to cloud the vision of quarterbacks. Sometimes takes wide angles in pursuit, giving up extra yardage.”
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