2015 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Select OLB Bud Dupree at No. 12

With the No. 12 pick in the DBN 2015 NFL Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...

Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky

The selection and write-up were made by Adam Rice:

The first 11 picks of this 2015 draft have unfolded in a way that puts me in a tough position. As I watched it play out, I was leaning offense, but all the players that I believe would help on that side of the ball at this point of the draft have been taken, and I think it would be a reach to take anyone else. So, I turned my focus to defense, and with the 12th pick in the 2015 DBN Mock Draft the Cleveland Browns select….Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, University of Kentucky.

Bud Dupree certainly qualifies as one of the "freaks" of this draft class. At 6’4, 269 lbs and running a sub-4.6 40 he definitely is one hell of an athlete and his 1st Team All-SEC selection in 2014 backs that up. What also backs that up is 23 sacks and over 200 tackles at his career at UK. Quite simply, Dupree made his share of plays while in the SEC.

Now, I can understand many people’s trepidation at selecting Dupree, since all his measurables almost exactly match those of Barkevious Mingo, a player who hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations here with the Browns. Yet, I think Dupree has shown to be a more proven pass rusher in college, and I think that’s exactly what he’ll be asked to do here. Dupree is a "bitch kitty" if there ever was one. He does lack in the run stopping department, but I think early on he won’t be asked to do much of that in his 1st year. I think his fit as an edge guy is excellent, and will help take some of the pressure off of both Kruger and Mingo if he is able to make an impact in the pass rush. With another pick in the 1st, the Browns can address either their atrocious run defense, or an offensive playmaker. Yet, with pick #12, the Browns make a commitment to terrorizing the QB.

It just so happens that our very own Zach Miller did a great job covering Dupree the other day. As for the pick, the thought of Mingo not living up to his potential definitely pops into my mind. Three receivers are already off the board, so I'd have to give this some more thought to see whether I'd pull the trigger on Dupree too or go a different direction. What would you have done, Browns fans?

The New Orleans Saints are up next, led by TuckJob (check your email!).

2015 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)