As the 2015 NFL Draft nears, ClevelandBrowns.com is ramping up its coverage to ensure fans know everything about the team's potential picks.
The Browns have two of them in the first round, of course, so there's plenty of turf to cover.
"Browns draft radar" will give you a glimpse at the nearly two dozen names being mentioned in the same breath as the Cleveland Browns. Today, we explore Bud Dupree, the Kentucky pass rusher who could bolster Cleveland's outside linebacking unit.
Vitals: 6-foot-4, 269 pounds
Who's linking him to Cleveland?
Why the Browns would be interested: The defensive line and secondary were addressed in free agency with the additions of lineman Randy Starks and cornerback Tramon Williams. The pass rushing situation was not, and that includes losing Jabaal Sheard to the New England Patriots. Cleveland has a bona fide stud in Paul Kruger (11 sacks in 2014) and defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil remains extremely high on Barkevious Mingo, who likely will be a completely different player without a nagging shoulder injury. Still, more coal could be used to throw on fire to pressure the quarterback more often and Dupree has potential to be a vital piece to a defense.
Why he could be around at 12 or 19: By most mock drafters, Dupree hasn't been grouped in the upper echelon of pass rushers, which includes Florida's Dante Fowler Jr., Clemson's Vic Beasley and Missouri's Shane Ray. Kentucky wasn't as loaded as the previously listed teams, so opposing offenses schemed and double-teamed Dupree nearly every game – and he still produced with 14.5 sacks in his last two seasons. Dupree is exceptional against the run, too, racking up 74 tackles last season with the Wildcats.
Why he won't be around at 12 or 19: Dupree is a freak of nature, and though it would be a shock to see him go in the top 10, it wouldn't be a stunner. When he weighed in at 269 pounds, there were few who believed he'd still be able to blaze a 4.56-second time in the 40-yard dash. Dupree has a background in basketball and was originally supposed to play tight end at Kentucky, until then-head coach Joker Phillips (now Cleveland's wide receivers coach) switched him to defense. The Bears, Falcons and Giants are potential road blocks between the Browns and Dupree.
Stat to know: Dupree's 23.5 career sacks in the SEC were the most by any active player in the conference by the conclusion of the 2014 season.
Quote to note:"I've got a lot of film in the 3 point stance and standing up. I think any team can see that I can play both positions." – Dupree on his versatility.
The last time: … The Browns drafted a player from Kentucky? Quarterback Tim Couch with the No.1 overall pick in 1999.
