Jayson Oweh, Penn State Nittany Lions. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to, they can replace Bud Dupree with their first-round pick.
Though the Pittsburgh Steelers may have other plans in the 2021 NFL Draft, they could potentially replace their former star pass rusher Bud Dupree with their No. 24 overall selection this year.
Sure, Pittsburgh may be more inclined to draft a running back like Alabama’s Najee Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne with this No. 24 overall pick. There is a chance the Steelers trade up into the top 10 to draft Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement at quarterback. However, if they were to stay put at No. 24, Pittsburgh could end up selecting one of these three star collegiate pass rushers.
Here are three prospects who can fill the shoes of Dupree in the vaunted Pittsburgh front-seven.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 replacements for Bud Dupree in 2021 NFL Draft
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Jayson Oweh
DE Penn State Nittany Lions
Keeping former Penn Stater Jayson Oweh in-state could be the way to go here
The Steelers would not have to go very far to land a potential successor at the bottom of the first round for Dupree. One player who should be available for them at No. 24 is Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Jayson Oweh. Pittsburgh has had plenty of success historically drafting players from its home state’s marquee Power 5 university. Oweh could slot in nicely at No. 24.
Admittedly, Oweh is a bit of a reach for the Steelers with this pick. He might crack the top 32 this year, but should be coming off the board at the very latest sometime in 40s in day two. Since he will not be tasked with being the team’s featured pass rusher, as that title belongs to T.J. Watt, Oweh can get caught up to speed in the NFL and flourish on this Steelers defense as a rookie.
Overall, there are more intriguing prospects for the Steelers to select at No. 24 than slightly reaching on Oweh. Because they are not picking towards the top of the first round, he is a candidate to potentially move back for. While Pittsburgh could potentially get a better pass-rushing prospect over Oweh at No. 24, you cannot deny the allure of taking a Penn State product.