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Marcus Lee is ready to take the next step for Kentucky Wildcats

By Paul Jordan

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Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Bud Dupree became the latest member of the Kentucky Wildcats football team to get drafted into the NFL and the first 1st round pick since 2003.  And from all indications, this is a great pick for both the Steelers and a good fit for Dupree.  The love is all ready rolling in from the Steel City and there are more people than John Calipari gushing.

"I like the kid already. That Dupree is a solid citizen is not the only reason Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert called him “a gift for us” at the No. 22 slot in the NFL draft. It wasn’t as important as Dupree’s size, speed, power and versatility. “He’s really a unique animal,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s his own man.” But the character stuff mattered. “I try to go about my business the right way,” Dupree told CFB 24/​7. The Steelers could have taken highly rated Missouri linebacker Shane Ray, who went to the Denver Broncos at No. 23 despite being cited earlier this week for marijuana possession. They also could have gone after Nebraska rush linebacker Randy Gregory, once a likely top-10 pick who wasn’t taken in the first round Thursday night after a positive test for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. But the team didn’t sell itself to the devil, so to speak. It didn’t take a risk on a player with a questionable background. I like that. “Very humble,” Colbert said of Dupree. “There was endless support and praise for this kid at Kentucky. They really believe that he was their leader.”"

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers filled a big void with the addition of Bud Dupree last night and they accomplished one big goal by helping their defense get younger.  I’m not a Steelers fan, but its hard not to be excited for snagging Bud.

"The 6-foot-4, 269-pound Dupree gives the Steelers a freakish athlete who reminds NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein of New England’s Jamie Collins. Still something of a raw product, Dupree’s instincts have drawn criticism from some scouts, but the newest Steelers defender also showed an ability to dominate linemen and take down passers with explosive closing speed. The former basketball player is an intriguing fit for Pittsburgh’s defense, which will take on a different look after watching safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor hang up the cleats. After filling their pass-rushing void, the Steelers are a lock to address their secondary in the coming rounds."

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