The Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday signed their first-round draft pick, Bud Dupree, to a four-year contract.
The outside linebacker was the sixth of the Steelers' eight draft picks to sign.
Pittsburgh drafted Dupree on April 30 in hopes that he might replace former outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who retired earlier this offseason at the stunningly young age of 27. For now, Dupree appears slated to appear at outside linebacker opposite 37-year-old veteran James Harrison.
Selected 22nd overall, Dupree started 38 games for the Wildcats, finishing with 247 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 38 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. An All-SEC honorable mention selection, Dupree ranked in the top 10 in the conference in sacks in each of his final three seasons. His 23.5 career sacks rank as the second-most in school history.
