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Mel Kiper Jr., Football analyst 9y

Alvin Dupree debuts on Big Board

Insider College Football, NFL, NFL Draft

Alvin "Bud" Dupree is a player I've known about since he enrolled at Kentucky. He's the kind of kid who can be really intriguing to follow because he's such a phenomenal athlete. You never know what he'll become.

A two-way player in high school, Dupree was a good tight end and pass-rusher, and he has settled in at defensive end for the Wildcats. At 6-foot-4 and 260-plus pounds with exceptional athleticism, he has improved a little each year. While he's never put up eye-popping stats, when I talk to SEC coaches, I hear about a player they don't look forward to blocking, and you can see it play out, with extra blocking help often in Dupree's path to the quarterback. He debuts on the Big Board this week at No. 21.

I'll keep scouting reports consistent week to week throughout the season and make changes regarding recent performances only, unless my evaluation shifts. That said, let's dive back into "the process" and another season.

An asterisk denotes a junior for the 2014 season; two asterisks denote a redshirt sophomore.

1. *Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon Ducks

I should drop him, right? He threw an interception! Ehhh, no. Mariota continues to impress, and I'm seeing some good anticipation throws. (I've knocked Mariota in that he can afford to let guys get wide open because he can run around all day.) He combines above-average accuracy and anticipation with an ability to get through his progressions and elite athleticism. How well he can take apart a defense with tools other than his legs matters in terms of how he is viewed as a prospect, but his ability to throw on the run or simply take off and pick up chunk yardage is a major plus.

2. *Leonard Williams, DL, USC Trojans

Just a special, versatile player. Provides impact wherever he lines up. Quick for his size, he can move all over and won't get pushed around when he's inside. At his size (6-5, 290 pounds), he's a special athlete who could line up as a defensive end and drive a tackle back or line up on the outside shoulder of a guard and create problems with power and quickness. He's the kind of disruptive, versatile lineman who can succeed in any system. A potential No. 1.

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