Durkin's Prospect Watch: OLB/DE Bud Dupree

By Dan Durkin--

(CBS) When transitioning to a 3-4 base defense, the biggest impact from a personnel perspective is at the linebacker position. Players who man the outside linebacker positions will be counted on to press the pocket as well as drop into coverage. Thus, in order to find difference-makers at the position, versatile skill sets are a must.

Today we take a look at a player with one of the draft's most intriguing combinations of coverage and pass rush ability: Kentucky's Bud Dupree.

OLB/DE Bud Dupree (6-foot-4, 269 pounds, 22, Kentucky)

40-yard dash: 4.56
Three-cone: 7.49
Bench: N/A (recovering from torn pectoral muscle)
Vertical: 42"
Arm: 32 5/8"

Bio: Dupree arrived in Lexington as a tight end and defensive end recruit, but he transitioned to an edge player. Dupree started three games as a true freshman for Kentucky before becoming a full-time starter in his sophomore year. He finished his sophomore year with 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks (ranking seventh in the SEC in both categories) and earned All-SEC third-team honors. As a junior, he finished with a team-high 9.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks, netting at least one of each in eight of his 11 starts, which earned him All-SEC second-team honors. As a senior, he was named a team captain and finished with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, good for All-SEC first-team honors.

In all, Dupree made 38 starts at Kentucky, finishing with 38 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. His 23.5 sacks are the second-most in school history and were the most of any SEC player over that four-year span.

Dupree rushed as both a hand-on-the-ground defensive end and a stand-up outside linebacker at Kentucky. Coach Mark Stoops runs a multiple-front defense, so given Dupree's size-to-speed ratio and a frame that can carry more weight without sacrificing speed, he can transcend scheme at the NFL level.

How he fits the Bears' scheme: Dupree is an ideal fit as a strong-side outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme. He lined up to the offense's passing strength and was frequently asked to cover (and carry) receivers from the slot, showing the footwork to pattern match and play trail-man technique.

Dupree is a nimble athlete for his size and carries his weight well. His combine numbers were staggering, and they matched his tape. He's quick off the snap and bends the edge with footwork, and his go-to is his chop/dip/rip pass rush move. Dupree's a willing run support player who sets the edge against tight ends when run at, and he also shows the ability to chase in space when pursuing ball-carriers from the backside.

Dupree will need to improve his block and play recognition. At times, he was stalled in his rush or support lane, stopping his feet to diagnose the play, which would leave him a fraction behind the action. As productive as he was, there were opportunities to make even more impact plays in the backfield, so he must learn to finish plays when in a position to make an impact stop. Dupree's recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, so his upper-body strength will be an area he needs to improve upon as he transitions to the NFL.

Draft projection: Dupree is a raw prospect, but his athletic upside is undeniable and will likely make him a top-20 selection.

Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.