Drafting Dupree over Ray in 2015
The Steelers had a huge hole at OLB heading into the 2015 draft. Both Bud Dupree and Shane Ray had top 15 potential and both slipped to pick 22. They took the more athletic and less refined prospect in Dupree, which left some critics wondering if athleticism had more value to the Steelers overproduction.
More was made of this when the Broncos traded up and took Ray with the following pick. Ray looked like a man possessed his sophomore season, tallying up eight sacks and seemingly cementing himself as the better pick. Inconsistencies and injuries piled up though, and Ray has just about fallen out of the league.
Dupree was a steady prospect before breaking out last year. A lot of fans viewed him as a bust, but he could be counted on for a similar performance every week. This allowed them to form a threatening duo at the position with another player who will show up later on this list. While Ray looked like the hit earlier on, Dupree has become the better pro and has allowed the Steelers to form a potent pass rush. It seems unlikely the Steelers have any regrets over adding Dupree instead of Ray.