Steelers Ola Adeniyi talks Bud Dupree and his goals for the 2020 season

I recently caught up with Steelers edge defender, Ola Adeniyi, and we discussed a number of topics including Diontae Johnson, Bud Dupree, and his goals in 2020. Here are the highlights.

Olasunkanmni Adeniyi is his name, but you can call him “Ola” for short. I recently had the privilege of speaking with the Steelers third-year edge defender this offseason, and I got to know Ola much better.

During our video call, Adeniyi touched on a number of topics including his time spent with Diontae Johnson at Toledo and whether or not the young wide receiver could develop into a true WR1 in the NFL. In addition, our discussion included topics ranging from Adeniyi’s journey to the Steelers as an undrafted free agent to his expectations for the 2020 season.

We also spent a good deal of time talking about Bud Dupree. When asked about the grievance Dupree recently filed to be paid as a defensive end this season, here’s what Ola had to say:

"“That man deserves every bit of money that he’s trying to get, in all honesty. We can’t sit here and say that somebody that elevated their game to that point, got double-digit sacks… He’s a pass rusher! T.J. Watt is a pass rusher! That’s what these guys are. And defensive ends are what? Pass rushers."

Adeniyi was adamant about his position on Bud Dupree, and it’s not hard to see why. Though he signed the franchise tag as a linebacker, just 48 of Dupree’s 980 defensive snaps were dropping back in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Conversely, 542 of Dupree’s snaps were rushing the quarterback.

In addition to talking about Dupree’s grievance to be paid as a defensive end, we also discussed his potential future with the Steelers beyond 2020. While Ola couldn’t speak on that, he insisted that he would be ready to take over as a starter in 2021 if called upon. Here’s what he had to say:

"“Honestly, I feel like I can handle it… I’ve been in the system. They know I can pass rush. It’s not a conversation of if I can pass rush, it’s a conversation more of elevating my special teams game and being that guy on special teams. So if that ever happens, they know what I can do… I do my assignment… Whatever they ask me to do is what I am going to do. I’m a guy that could be depended on."

Adeniyi went on to discuss his personal goals with me. He shared that he would love to be able to get a sack in the regular season this year. In addition, one future goal that he has is to make a Pro Bowl – whether that comes on defense or special teams.

We also touched on his topics like who his best friend is on the team, who is the nicest player on the Steelers, and how he models his game after Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher, Melvin Ingram.

Entering his third season with the Steelers, Andeniyi will have a very good shot at being the first edge defender off the bench this season. To see the full interview, click on the video below: