While a few edge-rushers in the 2015 NFL Draft such as Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Missouri’s Shane Ray may have character issues associated with them, that doesn’t seem to be the case with new Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who was picked by the team with the 22nd overall selection in the first round Thursday night.
“I think when you guys meet him, you’ll find him very humble,” said Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert of Dupree during the post-selection press conference. “Not a real talkative guy. He’s finishing school this semester, he’ll graduate in four years. Talked about as a team leader. You go to the University of Kentucky, on the stadium, those big poster pictures, he’s the guy along with Za’darius Smith that they highlight.
“When we were there for the Pro Day, it was just endless support and praise for this kid. So they really believe that he was their leader. And they didn’t have quite the season that they hoped for, but everybody spoke of this kid in glowing terms.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also talked about the kind of person Dupree is during the post-selection press conference.
“We had an opportunity to take him to dinner the night before their Pro Day and had good conversations with him,” said Tomlin. “You could characterize him as a football junkie, a football historian and obviously that’s attractive as well. We’re excited about having him.”
Dupree is reportedly majoring in community and leadership development. He was born 2/13/93 in Macon, Georgia and resides in Irwinton, Georgia.
