In what was later described as an easy decision by Steelers GM Kevin Colbert, the team selected pass rusher Bud Dupree with the 22nd pick tonight. Expect to see him contributing early on the left side this season. Dupree was voted the Steelers first round pick in our fantasy mock, so kudos to those who voted.

https://twitter.com/Bud_Dupree2/status/593969836591579136

“We didn’t expect Bud Dupree to be there. It was a very easy decision. We believe we got an impact player in Bud Dupree. This is a gift for us to get him at No. 22.”

Most mock drafts seemed to agree with Colbert. Dupree was projected by many to go earlier. A high character, high football IQ prospect, he shouldn’t have a problem putting in the work to hone his technique at the NFL level. Joey Porter described him as a football junkie earlier this evening.

Dupree, 6’4″, 269 lbs, is raw, but has a very high ceiling, and has the tools in place to be a dominant NFL player. For what it’s worth, the Steelers first round pick was the only one given an A+ by CBS sports. For what it’s worth.