Courtney Upshaw = Lamarr Woodley v2.0

[Lout]

He deserves his own thread. He is ideal for a 3-4 LB.. but I could see us using him the same way the Broncos use Von Miller.. he is that type of player. Not as quick twitched as Miller, but he is stronger and more stout against the run than Miller. And knows 3 different pass rush moves. He has a great bull rush, sick rip move, and a swim move that is still developing.

He is projected to go in the #9-13 spot in the draft, so he would not be a reach at all.

OLB is obviously a strong need for us and I could see this pick happening if Upshaw runs a decent 40 time at the combine. OR He could easily plug into the MLB position and be a 'thumper' like Jeremiah Trotter was for all of those successful Eagles defenses. Beason could move back to OLB, where he played successfully in the 10' season. Thoughts from people who have seen him play?

Edit: He also has the ability to play as a DE.. he is amazingly versatile and athletic.

[Mvp2014]

I'd take Woodley any day

[Bj-Monster23]

He will give us a good pass rusher other then CJ on defense. I think Courtney Upshaw will be a good player in the league he will also give our defense some versatility. He can be one of them guys who can be an impact player and get in the faces of Drew Bress Matty Ice etc. He also reminds me of Lamar Woodley also!

Here is another opinion.

nfldraftupdateDion Caputi

#Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw is a good kid. Really nice prospect, great versatility. 4-3 DE/OLB, 3-4 ILB/OLB capabilities. Good rusher too.

10 hours ago via Twitter

[Panthro]

He could be moved around to create mismatches and pressure. If we could drop just a couple spots I'd love him

[stirs]

I have read that Buffalo likes him and also that the Jets are loving him.

What about this scenario, trade back to 16 spot with our old trading partners, the Jets and pick up and extra draft pick?

[Dex]

I have read that Buffalo likes him and also that the Jets are loving him.

What about this scenario, trade back to 16 spot with our old trading partners, the Jets and pick up and extra draft pick?

We are not trading back. There is no player at #8/#9 that will be worth it. Bank on it. We are down to...

-Martin

-Coples

-Kirkpatrick

-Still

-Upshaw

[Peppers90 NC]

good player of course, but you mention him at mlb and move Beason outside is an idea that should be put in a vault.

[HeatCheck]

Always been a little slow for my liking but he has a knack for getting to the ball.

[Oldschool Leroy]

I recently watched a replay of an Alabama game to focus on him. On obvious passing downs the opposing team rolled away from him. The announcer pointed that out and raved about Upshaw's pass rush ability.

[jtnc]

I'd love to get him, he would also beast in our 3-4 plays.

[Lout]

good player of course, but you mention him at mlb and move Beason outside is an idea that should be put in a vault.

I don't really like the idea either.. it was more of an example to show his versatility as a player.

[CPF4LIFE]

Im starting to lean toward improving the pass rush myself. Some good corners might drop to the second round for us, getting to the QB goes a longer way than trying to lock down multiple receivers with no pass rush.

[Panthro]

Is he much different than Eric Norwood?

[Lout]

Is he much different than Eric Norwood?

He is 25lbs heavier than Norwood.. Upshaw is more of an athletic freak for his size. Can't wait to see Upshaw's combine numbers. From what I can tell, Norwood can not hold the point of attack and is the main reason why Norwood can not get on the field.