Bud Dupree’s failure to live up to his draft status through the first four years of his career has little or nothing to do with the level of talent or athleticism that he possesses, but rather has to do with how he has used it up to this point. From a physical standpoint, he’s pretty much the model of a 3-4 outside linebacker that you would look for, but he’s played more like a transitional starter you would have in the lineup while you wait to find your next long-term solution.
He’s hoping in his fifth year with the Pittsburgh Steelers to show that the long-term solution is already on the roster, and that it’s himself.