Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players who must improve for Super Bowl run

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31, 2017: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers yells toward an official in the third quarter of a game on December 31, 2017 against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 28-24. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 31: Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Bud Dupree (48) is announced during the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 31, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

2. Bud Dupree

Dupree is one of the more confounding players on the Steelers roster. When you watch him, it’s clear to see he has all of the physical tools needed to thrive in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Unfortunately, he never seems to put it all together on the field for his team.

Despite starting 15 games last season he only ended the 2017 campaign with 40 tackles. On the plus side, he did manage to notch six sacks. That’s a nice bonus, but it still doesn’t excuse his lack of involvement against the run.

Simply put, if Dupree wants to hold on to his starting position he’s going to have to be a more impactful player on first and second down. He has the size to set the edge against opposing offenses. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to shed some of those blocks and take down opposing ball carriers.

Remember, the Steelers still play a base 3-4 defense. That means their outside linebackers need to be incredibly active to make the scheme work. Dupree didn’t hold up his end of the bargain last year. If the Steelers want to make the Super Bowl, he needs to find a way to influence the game on a much more frequent basis.

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