Bud Dupree is the reason the Steelers passed on Chase Winovich

When the Steelers gave up their 2nd round draft choice to move up for Devin Bush, I thought there was no chance Pittsburgh would be able to land Chase Winovich. The Steelers mortgaged pick 20, pick 52, and a 2020 3rd round pick to move up to number 10 overall.

As the draft progressed into day two, I was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. The second round came and went, and still Chase Winovich had not been drafted.

Finally, we arrived at pick 66 overall – the first of Steelers’ 3rd round picks. The standout Michigan pass rusher was on the board. The Steelers clearly had a need at the position and Winovich fits the Steelers with his build, speed, and ferociousness. Pittsburgh had a dinner meeting with Chase at his pro day, so there was obvious interest on the part of the Steelers.

Then Diontae Johnson was drafted to the Steelers… not Chase Winovich.

Johnson may very well turn out to be a solid receiver, but the reasoning behind the decision to pass up a talented pass rusher is baffling. During a Q&A session, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was asked why the Steelers passed on Winovich. Here’s what he had to say:

"Because THEY like Dupree. Isn’t that obvious? I’m not saying I agree. I’m just telling you why they didn’t do what you suggest."

When Dulac said they, he was referring to the men up front: Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. In four years, Bud Dupree has not managed a season over 6.0 sacks. Though he’s not a bust on the level of Artie Burns or Jarvis Jones, his play has done anything but warranted a new contract (let alone a 5th-year option).

Kevin Colbert recently responded to questions surrounding Bud Dupree on 93.7 The Fan. Here’s what the General Manager had to say:

"When we look at Bud, and when you look at T.J. collectively, those two had as good a season as we’ve had out of that position. Coach made the switch last year and put T.J. mostly on the left and Bud mostly on the right. Cam and Tuitt and Hargrave — with those two, we got more pressure last year than we have in recent years, and I think Bud is a part of that. Can he do more? Does he want to do more? Absolutely, and we think he will. As I’ve said, at 9-6-1 we weren’t good enough in any one area, but we certainly believe that Bud was a contributor and he will be a contributor probably in a more beneficial mode for us this year."

Obviously Colbert has a high deal of faith in Bud Dupree. But what reason should he?

Dupree has been average at best throughout his career. The Steelers found themselves in a perfect position to pass the flame on to another pass rusher (Chase Winovich) who would have been a substantially cheaper option and, quite possibly, a better player.

I don’t always agree with everything Pittsburgh’s front office does. Taking Diontae Johnson because you believe he’s a great player is one thing. Passing on Chase Winovich because you believe Bud Dupree is the answer is something I can not explain.