My problem with Upshaw, and I think what they're trying to reiterate, is that you can't put a guy with those kinds of physical question marks in the top 20. If you do, you're really gambling with your job as a general manager. If you take Upshaw with Nick Perry on the board, and Nick Perry goes on to have a far superior career, you have egg on your face. I think Upshaw is going to be a durable, solid starter in this league, but I'm not going to bank my pass rush on him. At 17, you have to take a guy with more athletic upside, particularly when you have an athletically challenged linebacker group, like the Jets do. -X-
He's going to wind up inside or maybe strongside. He doesn't have the height, burst and escapability that's need to play ROLB in a 3-4. To give you an idea: Courtney Upshaw 6'2", 273 lbs, 4.8 40 Calvin Pace 6'4", 269 lbs, 4.75 40 Bryan Thomas 6'5", 269 lbs, 4.55 40 The Jets played Pace on the left side and Thomas on the right side. Upshaw doesn't really fit in either slot and if they had Pace and Upshaw opposite each other they'd be missing a speed rush completely.
Not the only, just the only one not stated so far. The team he played on made him look better than he was, I watched a bunch of games and he was rarely doubled. Too many good players on that side on the ball to do it. I think both Hightower and Barron will be better pro's. He'll be OK, but not a star and we need a star.
