Courtney Upshaw

Discussion in 'NFL Draft' started by 2ToneBlueBlood, Apr 12, 2012.

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  1. 2ToneBlueBlood

    2ToneBlueBlood Pro Bowler

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    I’m surprised that I haven’t heard more talk about us taking Courtney Upshaw in the first round. For some reason people have him labeled as strictly a linebacker in a 3-4. But (according to nfl.com & CBSsports.com) Upshaw is 6’2, 272. Compare his size to Derrick Morgan who is 6’3, 278. Upshaw is only an inch shorter and 6 pounds lighter that Morgan (and has around 20 pounds on Kamerion Wimbley).

    I LOVED what I saw from Upshaw this year. I saw Alabama play 4 or 5 times. He could definitely play with his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end. He has a high motor and was a terror for other offenses. I think he fits exactly what we need on the defensive line.

    I asked Jim Wyatt about Upshaw in his chat today and this is what he said:

    What do you think?
     
  2. Titans2004

    Titans2004 Pro Bowler

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    I would be happy with Upshaw or Hightower. They are both football players. Plain and simple. Might not be the most athletic, but they know how to play the game.
     
  3. Architect

    Architect Pain Train

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    I think you dont see a lot of people comment on him because A) he is expected to be gone by our pic B) most people see him as more of an 3-4 OLB (even though he is close to Morgan's size). He played well in college. Similar to Morgan, good numbers but didn't do anything especially well and wasnt a top notch athlete. Upshaw (and Morgan as well) dont have the same amount of athleticism as most DEs projected to go in the first.

    I love guys that can play the game, solid football players with significant production. But that's not enough to get it done and be a difference maker (see players like Rennie Curran and Peter Sirmon).

    The players that are "true football players" and have to have above (NFL) average athleticism to me are the real difference makers (Suh, JPP, Aldon Smith, Pat Willis etc) and in the first round thats what you are really looking for..

    Players with sound football game and average athleticism can wait until the later rounds. You can find those easily through the bottom of the draft. BUT I am not saying being a superior athlete makes you a superior player in the league. Im saying you have to have sound skills and knowledge AND be a beast athletically to make a real difference
     
  4. The Playmaker

    The Playmaker pineapple pizza party

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    I really like Upshaw but I think he's gone by our pick. He can be a 4-3 DE but he's kind of in the middle of that and a 3-4 OLB. I think he would be a better fit at DE because his coverage skills aren't the best so unless he goes to a 3-4 that allows him to put a hand down for most of the game I wouldn't be surprised if he was there.

    Hightower is just a football player, simple. He's going to hurt some people and he's going to get a bunch of tackles. I don't care about combine numbers but his speed is underrated and he's a guy I wouldn't be upset picking even though we really don't need an OLB in the 1st. Really, any of the 4 Bama players would be fine.
     
  5. RollTide

    RollTide All-Pro

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    I normally would want a taller DE in rd 1. A guy 6'4 or taller. I do like Upshaw though.

    Upshaw would give us some flexibility as does Wimbley but with Morgan-Wimbley-Ball we honestly should not be drafting another De.
     
  6. RollTide

    RollTide All-Pro

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    Kuechly or Hightower would be too good to pass up. Either one would improve our run defense for many years to come.

    I rate Kuechly higher but Hightower adds versatility as an outside pass rusher. Those are the 2 guys i would most look at.

    Then trade up with our rd 2 pick to get Still and our defense is set.
     
  7. Titans2004

    Titans2004 Pro Bowler

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    I don't think you have to trade up in the 2nd to get an impact DT. The depth is good enough that we can wait.

    Then grab a CB in the 3rd rnd.
     
  8. LoneWolf

    LoneWolf Starter

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    I think at pick 20 we are going to have a tough decision on who to pick, I have a feeling a lot of good talent will drop to us.
     
  9. pepsidriver24

    pepsidriver24 @snydzie

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    I think there's a good chance we take Upshaw or Hightower. Upshaw fits right in with Gray. Versatile player. Can play LB or DE. I think I remember Gray saying he wanted to try to develop Ayers into that type of player who can play DE also. The potential of Ayers-McCarthy-Upshaw would be great for years to come.
     
  10. 2ToneBlueBlood

    2ToneBlueBlood Pro Bowler

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    I LOVE Still. He's my favorite DT in the whole draft. If he's still hanging around in the middle of round 2 I'm making a call to see what it would cost to move up.

    I'd be happy with Worthy or Brandon Thompson in the 2nd as well.
     
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