Bud Dupree 'Fits Falcons Culture,' Says Arthur Smith

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has big expectations for what Bud Dupree can bring to the defensive line beyond individual stats.

After eight years in the league, veteran outside linebacker Bud Dupree has joined the Atlanta Falcons and is already making a good impression on his coaches and teammates.

In a recent statement, head coach Arthur Smith was careful to contain his excitement while praising Dupree.

"Bud is a physical football player," Smith said. "A guy like that, he'll set an edge. A guy who wants to be here; he fits our culture. Going on the other side, when I've coached against Bud and watching some of the things he brings to the table, it's another guy I value his experience. Bud's a tone center - that's putting it nicely."

With nearly 50 career sacks and over 80 hits on quarterbacks, Dupree’s experience as a pass rusher should make him an invaluable addition to a defense that’s littered with talent in the secondary.

If the defensive line can get after quarterbacks in a hurry, then the Falcons should quickly improve on their sack total, which ranked 21st in the league, and total interceptions, which tied for the third-fewest in 2022.

Atlanta’s third-year defensive end, Ta'Quon Graham, shared what he’s learned thus far from Dupree’s leadership.

"Just from a get-off standpoint, all the little technique details on the field as well as just how he carries himself in the locker room, how he treats humans," Graham said. "Pretty much everything all along."

Hopefully, the addition of Dupree and his leadership is all this Falcons team needs to push them over the hump next season as they look to win the division this year after coming up just short in 2022.

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