Steelers on Dupree, Kiper Likes it, DK Doesn’t

The first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is in the books and while there may not have been as many surprises or trades as we would have hoped, it was a good round altogether. While the Steelers are working on their Day 2 Draft strategy we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle Friday, May 1^st.

Tomlin and Colbert on Dupree

The Steelers didn’t pick a cornerback in the first round and yet the sun still came up this morning. Well, it’s kind of grey out, but that’s typical for Pittsburgh and beside the point. Today came and tonight the Steelers have the opportunity to build upon a strong start to the draft in the hopes of rebuilding this defense.

Steelers Coach Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert talked about their selection of OLB Bud Dupree with the 22^nd overall pick.

"“We’re really excited. The other day during the press conference we talked about the outside linebacker position being very deep with several impact players. We believe we got an impact player in Bud Dupree. Bud is big. He’s 6’4” and floats around 270. He ran a 4.61. He’s very athletic and strong. He played in a defense similar to ours. He stood up very strong against the run. He’s certainly a good pass rusher. He’s a good mix of power and speed. He can cover. It’s really exciting that he was able to be there for us at 22. Quite honestly that was something we didn’t expect to happen.” – Kevin Colbert"

Mel Kiper likes it

ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. evaluated the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. There were some things he liked and some things he questioned. One of the picks he very much liked was the Steelers’ pick of OLB Bud Dupree at No.22. Not only does Kiper say that he had Dupree going off the board as high as No. 8 to Atlanta but he also thinks the Steelers got a great value pick in Dupree at 22.

DK is sick of linebackers

Cornerback cornerback cornerback. That’s what we’ve been hearing the last several months as the biggest need for the Steelers in the draft. Even though there has only been one actual round completed, one Pittsburgh columnist is not very pleased to have seen anyone’s name with “linebacker” associated called for the Steelers’ pick.

Dejan Kovacevic of DK on Pittsburgh Spots is sick of linebackers. He’s sick of the Steelers using their first pick on linebackers and so far not getting immediate positive results in return. Never mind that the top three corners has already been selected. Never mind the fact that the Steelers actually did get a good pick in Dupree that wasn’t expected to be there at 22 and it is actually smarter to go with the best player available than to just single in on positions, DK is just not happy with the Steelers draft after one round.

Perhaps DK might want to remember the Steelers’ success in the second round just the last two years. In 2013 the Steelers picked up Le’Veon Bell in the second round and last year Stephon Tuitt. Perhaps let’s wait till the draft is over to play the “Ugh! They didn’t pick the guy I wanted them to pick so now they’ll never win!” game?

Next: Steelers First Round Draft Grade

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