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2015 NFL Draft: Bengals Prospect Alvin Dupree

By Brian Dugan

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Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Kai De La Cruz (12) catches a pass under the pressure of Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) during the second half at Papa John

With the 2015 NFL Draft now less than two months away, the Cincinnati Bengals have amped up Pro Day visits, and there was none bigger recently than the University of Kentucky’s. It seems head coach Marvin Lewis, and defensive line coach Jay Hayes made the 90-minute pilgrimage to Lexington to scout a few players, particularly standout defensive end, Alvin Dupree.

Alvin “Bud” Dupree is a tall, fierce, and very fast defensive end. At 6’4” and 269 pounds, Dupree is a monster off the edge, and would add to the trees that already makeup the Bengals’ defensive line. Dupree ended his Lexington career with 247 tackles and 24.5 sacks. His speed was previously mentioned as very fast, but that really should read, blazing. Dupree was clocked at a blistering 4.56 seconds when running the 40-yard dash at the combine. Consider that along with Dupree’s 42” vertical leap, which should come in handy when trying to deflect passes, and the ideal defensive end begins to appear.

Just how interested are the Bengals? ESPN’s Bengals beat writer Coley Harvey was also in attendance for Dupree’s Pro Day and stated Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes conducted specific drills with Dupree. According to Harvey, at one point during these drills:

"“Dupree’s ball rush hit Hayes a little quicker than expected. Caused ooohs from spectators and laughs from Hayes.”"

The Bengals also announced a meeting is scheduled with Dupree following is March 12th workout.

With the Bengals having recently signed Michael Johnson in free agency, fans may not feel there is a need for another defensive end. Keep in mind, the Bengals still have both Will Clarke, a 6’6”, 271-pound second year player out of West Virginia, and the Eastern Bloc, Margus Hunt, a 6’8” giant in his third year.

Regardless, the bottom line here is the Bengals generated almost zero pass rush last season, and with their “all-in” mentality this season, if Dupree is still there at 21, they may very well snatch him up anyway.

Next: Post-Week One of Free Agency Mock Draft

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