The only thing that matters now is whether he can help the Steelers win games in 2015.
They need immediate help for a defense that sagged badly last season, one that is the final stages of a painful but necessary transition that has sent notable veterans either to other teams or filing retirement papers.
It's great if Dupree will help for several years down the road, but they desperately need him to do something now.
History says that won't be the case. The Steelers rarely get significant contributions from rookies, especially on defense. Troy Polamalu, who retired as a Hall of Fame candidate, didn't start as a rookie. He didn't argue about it, either, saying that he didn't have a firm enough grasp on things to play regularly.
Last year in training camp, assistant coach Keith Butler admitted there were times when rookie linebacker (and No. 1 draft pick) Jarvis Jones would yell, "What do I do?" to teammates as the ball was being snapped.
Butler is now defensive coordinator, succeeding Dick LeBeau, whose complex defense baffled rookies in the way that calculus overwhelms high school freshmen.
The incumbent at Dupree's position is Arthur Moats, a capable backup who won't be mistaken for an NFL starter.
Dupree came to town on Friday and said all the right things. Asked if he expected to start, he said his only immediate goal was to help the team.
The rookie salary cap has virtually eliminated delays in signing contracts, and it's vital for the Steelers to get Dupree's deal wrapped up as soon as possible.
Get him into the weight room, but most importantly, get him into the classroom with his playbook and position coaches.
The "help wanted" sign the Steelers put out for a pass-rushing linebacker came with urgency.
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--COSTLY MISTAKE
There are so many potential draft picks with legal issues, that's almost become part of the standard player profile.
Randy Gregory, a pass-rushing specialist from Nebraska, was thought to be a first-round talent. He wasn't drafted until the Cowboys made him the 60th player chosen.
Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine. As one of the pundits on ESPN's "NFL Insiders" noted, if he's using when he's a college student, what is he going to do when he has millions?
Gregory comes into the NFL with one strike already against him under the NFL's substance abuse policy. His bad judgment literally sent millions of dollars up in smoke.
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--BEWARE, DH HATERS
Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright sustained a season-ending Achilles tendon injury while batting, which prompted the usual knee jerk cries to make the designated hitter rule universal.
Wainwright stumbled while leaving the batters box, a freak injury that could have happened as he navigated the dugout steps.
Purists don't want the DH in the National League, but they're fighting a losing battle.
The DH isn't going away, so any changes will make the rule standard for all games. It's been trending that way.
In Bud Selig's long regime, the separate identities of the leagues were severely diluted. He abolished the league offices and league presidents, preferring to have everything run from the commissioners office.
The Brewers transferred to the National League, and the Astros went to the American League. Umpiring was placed under a central office instead of having separate squads for each league.
The introduction of interleague play was a factor, too. Now it's been expanded from a mid-summer attraction to a season-long reality. The Pirates opened their home season against the Tigers. When American League teams play in a National League park, they often leave an expensive DH on the bench.
Every change in rules is aimed at getting more offense in the game. That purpose isn't served by having pitchers flail hopelessly at pitches. A lot of them can't even bunt.
The Players Association will never give up the DH rule because it serves the union well. Any effort to standardize will put it in both leagues rather than eliminating it.
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--ANNUAL SIGNS OF SPRING
PNC Park opens....the Steelers express surprise that their No. 1 pick was still available....the Penguins promise to find wingers for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin...
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