The Next Generation of the Steel Curtain

Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree (48) pressures Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley (7) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Bud Dupree

At 6’4″, 270 pounds, Bud Dupree is that classic oversized linebacker the Steelers have liked since the ’90s. And with his size, he is athletic, running a 4.5 40 at the 2015 NFL Scouting combine. If there’s anything to complain about with Dupree, it would just be that he’s a bit on the raw side.

Some work on his counter moves and hand-fighting technique would help him get to the quarterback consistently. Early on, he’s just a little too dependent on his impressive burst off the edge. But he seems to be putting it together pretty quickly has he showed the his third preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Dupree looked like he was in on the sack for safety James Harrison got credit for in first quarter. Later on in the game, Dupree would end up getting his own sack  on a backup quarterback but starting o-line. He is the next generation of that Steel Curtain but how soon depends on how quickly he develops.