Scouting Report – DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw

2012 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw:

DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw

Measurables:

Height:  6’2”

Weight: 265 lbs.

PROS:

• Relentless pass rusher, doesn’t stop until the whistle is blown
• Quality first step, routinely wins the battle for the edge
• Big time hitter, if he gets a shot at a guy they are going down
• Powerful at the point of attack
• Smart player, very well coached at Alabama, should adapt quickly to the NFL game.
• Plays with good leverage
• Good counter moves,can shed blockers with ease
•  High motor guy, always around the football
• Strong Senior Bowl week, showed up really well while rushing the passer

CONS:

• A bit of a tweener;  while 3-4 was his system in college, his size and lack of coverage ability make him more of a 4-3 end. His height though could be a problem to some teams.
• Will get exposed in coverage; if he plays in a 3-4 he needs to be rushing the passer constantly.
• Not ideal height for a DE or weight for OLB
• Part of an elite defense in college, may struggle when asked to be ‘that guy’ at the next level
• Needs to be more consistent setting the edge and stopping the run

ANALYSIS:

Upshaw is one of the many very talented pass rushers in this draft class. Some teams might think he doesn’t have a natural position, but that would be a mistake. While his lack of coverage ability is a question mark for the 3-4, he’s so good that it warrants ignoring. He’s too talented of a pass rusher, which is what his responsibility will be 90% of the time. He could slide a little bit, but he’s a legitimate top 20 talent.

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