NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alvin Dupree

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) forces Louisville Cardinals quarterback Kyle Bolin (14) to fumble the ball during the second half at Papa John

My Take

Strengths: At 6’4″, 264 pounds, I agree with Zlerlein about Dupree being freakishly athletic and chiseled. I don’t know what his 40-time is but his burst around the corner looks like it’s right on par with the much smaller edge rushing prospect. I love his awareness to go after the ball to make plays for his team as his two forced fumbles against Louisville, one for a defensive touchdown would attest to that. He’s also shown some strength when opposing teams run at him as he sets a hard edge.

In coverage, I think he’s okay with backs and tight ends but when he can forget about a slot receiver. Either way, he could learn with the athleticism he has but coverage isn’t why I’m drafting him. Another great thing about Dupree is that even though he was a 3-4 outside linebacker at Kentucky his size and strength could attract a 4-3 NFL team.

Weaknesses: I agree with Zlerlein’s assessment of Dupree winning with athleticism of skill right now. He either get’s around the corner before the tackle can get out of his stance or flails away with his arms. There no technique involved as far as hand-fighting goes and no kind of swim-move or spin-move.

Both scouts were right about his lack of instincts as he sometimes takes himself out of a play he could have made. That’s because when thinks he sees something he uses that speed and determination to bolt to where he thinks the play is going and it’s not there. Other times, he’s slow to get to the ball like the scouts said as he appears to be thinking too much.

If I were a 4-3 team, I would jump on him in the first round and teach him a handful of pass-rush moves. And if we decided to run some elephant scheme where he dropped in coverage every once in a while, he’d be okay. But I would mainly have him working on some pass rush moves and focus on getting to the quarterback.

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