Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

In the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 defensive unit, edge rusher Bud Dupree has carved out a unique role as a “power specialist”—using his 6-foot-4, 269-pound frame and 34-inch arm length to overwhelm offensive linemen, disrupt rushing attacks, and generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Unlike speed-focused pass-rushers who rely on quickness off the edge, Dupree’s strength has become a defining asset for the Chargers, allowing him to win matchups against even the league’s most physical tackles. Through 16 regular-season games, his power-driven plays have contributed to 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles—stats that only scratch the surface of his impact on the Chargers’ defense. Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense explores how his physicality shapes his playing style, how it complements the Chargers’ existing defensive stars, and why it has become a critical component of the team’s success in stopping both the run and the pass. For the Chargers, Dupree’s power isn’t just about brute force—it’s about strategic dominance that elevates the entire defensive line.

Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense begins with the signature move that showcases his strength: the “bull rush.” A staple of Dupree’s arsenal, this technique involves driving his shoulder into the chest of an offensive tackle, using his lower-body strength to push the lineman backward into the pocket and collapse space around the quarterback. What makes Dupree’s bull rush effective is his ability to maintain leverage—keeping his hips low and his core tight to avoid being pushed aside, even when facing linemen who weigh 300 pounds or more. This was on full display in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns, when Dupree used a bull rush to overpower Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., driving him 5 yards back into quarterback Deshaun Watson’s lap and forcing a fumble that the Chargers recovered. “Bud’s bull rush is like facing a freight train,” said Chargers defensive line coach Giff Smith. “He doesn’t just push linemen—he dominates them. When he gets his momentum going, it’s almost impossible to stop him. That’s the kind of power that changes the course of a drive.” Pro Football Focus graded Dupree’s bull rush as the most effective among all Chargers edge rushers in 2025, with a 78% win rate in one-on-one matchups.

Beyond pass-rushing, Dupree’s power has been a game-changer for the Chargers’ run defense—a unit that ranked 24th in the NFL in 2024 but climbed to 11th in 2025, in large part due to his contributions. When opposing teams run the ball to his side of the field, Dupree uses his strength to shed blockers quickly, planting his feet and holding his ground to prevent linemen from creating running lanes. He’s particularly effective in short-yardage situations, where his ability to plug gaps and tackle running backs behind the line of scrimmage has helped the Chargers rank 8th in the NFL in third-and-short stop rate (68%). In Week 12 against the Denver Broncos, Dupree made a critical play on fourth-and-1, using his power to push Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz aside and tackle running back Javonte Williams for a 2-yard loss, ending Denver’s potential game-tying drive. “Run defense is all about strength and discipline, and Bud has both,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “He doesn’t get pulled out of the play by blocks—he fights through them. That’s the difference between a 1-yard gain and a stop, and Bud makes that difference every week.” Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense highlights this run-stopping impact as a key part of his value to the team.

Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense also delves into how his physicality complements the Chargers’ other defensive stars, creating a more balanced and unpredictable pass rush. Alongside speed-focused edge rusher Khalil Mack and versatile rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, Dupree’s power gives the Chargers three distinct pass-rush styles—forcing offenses to adjust their blocking schemes on every down. When teams assign their best tackle to slow Mack’s speed, Dupree often faces one-on-one matchups against backup linemen, whom he can overpower with his bull rush. When offenses double-team Mack or Tuipulotu, Dupree uses his strength to beat single blockers and collapse the pocket from the other edge. This balance was evident in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills, when Dupree recorded 2 sacks—both coming after the Bills shifted extra protection to Mack. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this diversity in pass-rush styles has made their defense one of the most feared in the AFC, with opposing quarterbacks facing constant pressure from multiple angles. “Having Bud’s power next to Mack’s speed is a nightmare for offenses,” said Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. “They can’t focus on just one of us—they have to worry about all three. Bud’s ability to win with strength opens things up for everyone else.”

Another key aspect of Dupree’s power is its durability—he’s been able to maintain his physical dominance throughout the 2025 season, even as the Chargers entered the playoff stretch. Unlike some power rushers who fade late in the year due to fatigue, Dupree’s off-season training regimen (which includes heavy weightlifting and core-strength drills) has kept him strong into December and January. In the Chargers’ Wild Card win over the Bills, he recorded 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss, using his power to beat Bills tackle Dion Dawkins twice in the fourth quarter. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this late-season consistency has been critical, as the team pushes for a Super Bowl run against physical AFC opponents like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. “Bud’s work ethic in the off-season is what allows him to stay strong late in the year,” said head coach Brandon Staley. “He doesn’t just rely on natural strength—he builds it, and he maintains it. That’s the mark of a professional, and it’s why he’s been so valuable to us in the playoffs.” Dupree himself credits his durability to smart training: “I don’t just lift heavy—I lift with purpose. Every rep is about making sure I can still push linemen around in Week 17 and beyond. That’s what it takes to win in this league.”

Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense concludes with a look at how Dupree’s strength has become a symbol of the Chargers’ defensive identity—one rooted in physicality, resilience, and teamwork. His power-driven plays have not only contributed to stats but also to team morale, with his post-sack celebrations and on-field leadership inspiring his teammates to play with more intensity. For Chargers fans, Dupree has become a fan favorite at SoFi Stadium, with chants of “BUD! BUD! BUD!” echoing through the stands whenever he makes a power move. As the Chargers prepare for the AFC Divisional Round against the Ravens, Dupree’s strength will be tested against Baltimore’s talented offensive line—but if his 2025 season is any indication, he’s ready to rise to the challenge. “This team has something special,” Dupree said in a recent interview. “We play with grit, we play with power, and we play for each other. That’s what makes this defense great.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Dupree’s power is more than just a physical trait—it’s a mindset that has helped turn a good defense into a championship-caliber one. In the end, Bud Dupree's Power Adds to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense isn’t just about one player’s strength—it’s about how that strength unites a team, intimidates opponents, and brings them one step closer to a Super Bowl title.