The Baltimore Ravens hold the No. 26 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Over the next two weeks, the Ravens blog will take a quick look at 10 prospects who might be available and be a fit for Baltimore at that spot. We continue with a an outside linebacker prospect who has intrigued the Ravens with his ability to rush the passer and defend in space:
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Chances he's available at No. 26: Possibly. Some analysts have Dupree going as high as No. 8 to Atlanta or No. 13 to New Orleans. Dupree likely will be taken in the second half of the first round, but he will have to get past three interested AFC North teams -- Cleveland at No. 19, Cincinnati at No. 21 and Pittsburgh at No. 22 -- in order to reach the Ravens.
Why he'd be a good pick for the Ravens: He's considered by some as the most athletically gifted pass rusher in this draft because he has the tools to rush the passer and drop back in coverage. Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta compared him to Adalius Thomas, which is certainly high praise. Dupree has the prototypical height (6-foot-4) and weight (269 pounds) for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Scouts say he takes football seriously and has strong character, which are traits that the Ravens value. Dupree gives a constant effort in run pursuit.
Why he wouldn't: There are concerns about how quickly he diagnoses plays. He scored a 13 on the Wonderlic, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I just don't think he's real smart," a scout told the paper.
Stat to note: Dupree's 23.5 career sacks were the most by any active SEC player.
Extra point: ESPN's Coley Harvey detailed how Dupree shined in position drills at his pro day.
