Alex Highsmith

He will have favorable matchups until teams start seeing him as a threat. The trick will be taking advantage of that when it happens. Hopefully his high motor comes with some moves.

 

They can also find a way to get Avery Williamson involved in more defensive packages as well along with Highsmith. I know he plays ILB but you got him for a reason and for depth so with Bud now out why not get him out on the field more and give him more snaps and see what he can do. The guy makes a lot of tackles and I’m sure if given the chance to play more he would definitely make a good impact.

 

How many probowls have the Steelers seen from the rolb position Blast? How many belong to Bud Dupree? Maybe I'm spoiled by seeing that position stand out in Pittsburgh lore but Dupree isn't anything franchise worthy special. He's finally capable like his replacement will be, courtesy of the Steeler's scheme. Highsmith might be special, we will see.

 

Im thinking about years back when everyone was bummed out about Joey Porter leaving the team. There we're questions if James Harrison could replace him without too much dropoff. Just saying.

 

Elliott has started many games in the league. He will become a valuable backup.

 

Hopefully butler can scheme around this deficit

 

I think the sacks still will be consistent just different names recording them. Where would one rate Bud's contribution to the overall performance of our defense? I have him at about 6th or 7th, neck & neck with Alualu.

1. Watt
2. Minkah
3. Haden
4. Heyward
5. Tuitt
6. Alualu
7. Dupree
8. Nelson
9. Edmunds
10. Bince
11. Spillane

I'd put Hilton above Dupree also.

 

Who is this Hayden fella you two keep posting about? Is he as good as Joe Haden?

Seriously, this is a pretty good order. I might tweak it a little, but that's a far more fair evaluation of Dupree's contribution. Having two pass-rushing bookends like Watt and Dupree has been huge. He has come up with some huge plays, such as the forced fumbles early in games against the Broncos and Ravens (first meeting). I know people here love Hilton, but I can't believe anybody would suggest that Hilton has contributed more than Dupree.

My order:
Watt
Heyward
Tuitt
Dupree
Haden
Alualu
Nelson
Williams
Edmunds
Spillane

 

Dupree has 19 sacks in the last 2 seasons, and he's good against the run.

 

We'll know soon enough what we have on Monday. I think Buds absence will be felt in some way.

 

Highsmith and Ola should be fine as long as that don't try to do too much by trying to do what Bud did. Don't want to see them getting blown up because they over pursue a runner or a QB. They just need to play within what their experience and knowledge are and grow.

 

Oops. Knew I forgot something.

I fixed it. Got him between Tuitt and Dupree.

 

Sacks:
2015 Steelers 48 Dupree 4
2016 Steelers 38 Dupree 4.5
2017 Steelers 56 Dupree 6
2018 Steelers 52 Dupree 5.5
2019 Steelers 54 Dupree 11.5

There's a reason he is not making probowls.

Notice the spike in our stat totals starting in 2017?
Watt's rookie year
The year Haden joined
The year Hilton replaced Gay

Some y'all are severely underestimating our secondary.

 

You are severely underestimating Dupree. The Steelers' sack total remained roughly the same the last three seasons, yet Dupree's spiked last year. He was on a similar pace this season even though teams aren't getting quite as many plays against the defense.

It is damn difficult for both outside linebackers from the same team to make the Pro Bowl. Dupree needed to show last season was legit by doing it again, and he did exactly that. I get that many people on this board harbor resentment for the disappointments of his first four seasons. I get that they don't want to admit they were wrong in thinking last season was a fluke. He did enough this year that it is time to admit just that. Dupree is a big part of that defense. I certainly hope they have enough to overcome his injury, but the idea that Hilton was a bigger part of the team's success this season is comical.

 

I still see 50+ sacks with Dupree or without Dupree.
It's the scheme is my argument. Finally getting coverage sacks.

The resentment comment is speculation. I've seen much better performance at that position without being pissed about Dupree manning it.

Dupree will make a probowl when he earns it. It won't happen in Pittsburgh & most likely anywhere else.

 

Bud Dupree:
G- 11
Int- 0
Pd- 2
FF- 2
Sk- 8
T- 31
QbH- 15

Mike Hilton:
G- 7
Int- 1
Pd- 3
FF- 0
Sk- 3
T- 32
QbH- 5

What's so comical other than what they bring to the table when they are on the field this year? Can't find a minutes played stat.

 

He has never started a game in the NFL.

 

If you want to talk about a guy whose sacks come entirely from the scheme, that would be Hilton.

 

No, he started converting his speed to power and using his hands way better. Remember those numbers jumped as well when he and Watt switched sides and they started dropping them into coverage less frequently too!

The biggest knock was over-running the pocket way too much. He's always been good against the run.

 

So the addition of Haden & Minkah has nothing to do with Bud's sack total almost doubling? I see Bud getting most of his sacks when the qb has scrambled or held the ball too long. Watt, Heyward or Tuitt gets him on the bullrush for most of theirs. Dupree has had a few with stunting but rarely do i see him beeline to the qb through the guy blocking him.

 

I believe the Dupree era is over. Franchise him again? I would not. Their are to many decisions to be made.

Juju, Conner, Alualu, Hilton, AV. Plus Watt will have to be considered for a Brinks contract. He is going to be here for the 5th year and if they decide not to pay him next season and he has another monster year the price tag will increase. Don't know if they can do it due to Bens contract situation but it has to be considered.

Here is the full list: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/pittsburgh-steelers/

Dupree has gotten better being coached up by Butler and using more motor instead of playing patty cake, getting lost in the backfield and standing there after the play is over. He will get a nice contract somewhere else providing his unfortunate injury is not a concern. He will need a strong OLB on the other side.

15,828,000 is what Dupree was paid this year on the franchise. Could go along way in keeping other players.

I'm excited to see what Highsmith brings now being the full time starter. He was going to be that next season anyway. He has a high motor and can seal the edge.

 

You're wrong, Dupree deserved to make the Pro Bowl last season he was snubbed. The secondary looks good because of the pass rush, you will see the drop off at the position now that he's injured.