Bud Dupree more vocal, confident at minicamp

PITTSBURGH -- Bud Dupree isn't a rookie anymore, and it's noticeable by his demeanor. Dupree has been limited throughout most of organized team activites and minicamp because of a soft tissue injury, but he's feeling a lot more confident than a year ago in anticipation of the 2016 season.

"I feel like his understanding of the game has grown tremendously," inside linebacker Vince Williams said. "He really knows what he’s doing now. He’s more sure of himself."

Dupree, soft-spoken at times, didn't hesitate when asked about it. In his words, he's received more of everything. And it's translating into more confidence.

"I know the plays more, and all around knowing the feel of the game more, knowing the players more, knowing the defense more," Dupree said. "It's just going to be a better year."

Dupree finished his rookie season with 26 tackles and four sacks, good enough to earn a spot on NFL.com's all-rookie team. Though all four sacks came within the first eight games of the season, when Dupree wasn't in a starting role and saw more situational pass rushes. Into late December and January, the production declined. He finished with seven tackles in the last six regular-season games, five of which he started.

"My body just took a toll, but now I'm more prepared for that," he said.

READ MORE: http://www.timesonline.com/sports/steelers/steelers-insider-bud-dupree-more-vocal-confident-at-minicamp/article_034124a0-333b-11e6-8383-b34dcf3f582c.html

"We all want to have big numbers at the end of the day, but we’re not going to take away from our performance by being selfish and wanting to be on the field more," Dupree said. "Whatever coach feels, if me and Jarvis are going to be on the field a lot, me and James, or me and Moats.

I noticed he doesn't offer a scenario where he is not on the field. I don't care about selfish in that respect if we are getting Ws. Go for it kid. Be the beast!!

Bud influences the game more.....Big Dan influences the game more (with a touch of meanness).....our young secondary surprises us with their imrovement.......won't be last year's defense.    

Dreaming....but if even two of the above happen......

Could Dupree be the leader we've been lacking for the last few years on defense?

Hoping to see this kid really break out in his sophomore season. Has all the tools to be good, just needs to translate it onto the field.

I think you all need to shut up about Bud Dupree. I don't know why, I just like saying it.

We've been saying for 2 years now that we need defensive leaders. I hope he's one of them. I hope his play instills confidence in the others to follow him and Heyward.

Hoping for a big year from him and the rest of the young guys on D. I can't wait for football

Bud 'No Carbs' Dupree hopes fewer pounds equal more sacks for Steelers

LATROBE, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have to worry about second-year outside linebacker Bud Dupree failing any conditioning tests at training camp this week.

He looked imposing when addressing the media Thursday.

Turns out Dupree put in some serious work this offseason, dropping his weight from 270-plus pounds to around 254.

"No carbs," Dupree smiled.

He also relied on boxing training with noted pass-rush trainer Chuck Smith to stay fit. After the season, Dupree realized his previous weight might have held him back. Dupree failed to record a sack in the final eight games of 2015. At the time, Dupree acknowledged hitting a rookie mental wall. But weight management was also a factor.

It's early in 2016, but so far Dupree is feeling light-years better than his rookie season.

"Conditioning-wise, and playbook-wise," Dupree said.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't surprised by the weight loss, acknowledging reserve pass-rusher Anthony Chickillo also dropped weight. For Dupree, though, the benefit comes in quickness. Dupree was fast even before shedding those pounds, recording a sub-4.6-second 40 during draft season at 260-plus.

"My No. 1 thing is speed," Dupree said. "I have to make sure people know that's my threat. I have to have counter moves [to complement speed]."

If Dupree becomes the force his frame suggests he can be, the Steelers could have their next great edge rusher. First, though, Dupree must prove he has the edge and the instincts to play the position every down.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/19424/bud-no-carbs-dupree-hopes-fewer-pounds-equal-more-sacks-for-pittsburgh-steelers

Having another force to reckon with in the LB corp will help free up Harrison. I almost feel sorry for QBs, RBs, and WRs running short routes.

No I don't.

speed the faster the defense the better I like the defense. if the Steelers could get one or two fast DBs in the 2017 draft i'd be happy.

effyou515 wrote:

speed the faster the defense the better I like the defense. if the Steelers could get one or two fast DBs in the 2017 draft i'd be happy.

They got two this year...