Upshaw could very well be our guy. I think there is a decent chance he is there at 16. Buffalo now has Wandstat as their DC and I think they may go to a 4-3. Arizona is the team to watch in front of the Jets. In my opinion, Upshaw is only a 3-4 LB. If he isn't there a good player will be. Melvin Ingram, Nick Perry,Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffries are all viable candidates. I've been on the WR kick but Upshaw is probably the best fit.
Thanks for a great right up, really appreciate it. As of right now, I too have Upshaw ahead by a small margin. He is just a very complete player, and he could come in and play 50 snaps a game and make an impact. He plays the run very effectively, which is a pretty huge factor in picking an OLB because we lacked a good run stuffer when BT went down and it really showed. IMO, this is a very underrated need by the majority. He is so powerful that he can bullrush very effectively. The ONLY thing I would’ve liked to have seen from him was a more diverse range of passrush moves. He doesnt look to be a pashrushing freak, but a very good all around. Mercilus is not the complete player that Upshaw is, but has a higher ceiling when it comes to being a passrusher. Im not sure how effective he would be as a 3 down LB as a rookie because he doesnt play the run as well as he does pass. I like that I’ve seen multiple passrush moves from him, but he has showed inconsistency in games- I feel like he disappears for a few minutes and then makes a play, unlike Upshaw who was always around the ball. Im sure some of this could be chalked up to Mercilus being the best player on a decent defense and being doubled every play vs Upshaw being the best player on the best defense where its hard to focus on one player.
Personally I would take Mercilus over Upshaw right now. To me if your going to draft a OLB in rd.1 he has to be able to rush the passer. I dont think that Upshaw has anywhere near the pass rushing moves Mercilus has nor the same combination of speed and strength. Upshaw might be more complete but Mercilus offers us exactly what our team needs out of that spot. I so think he can be an everydown player right off the bat. His biggest hurdle, aside from learning the scheme, will be pass coverage. I dont think you can go wrong here though. I dont want to sound like a broken record but, what do you guys think of Kuechly here (not just for us but as a player in general also)?
Mel, What are overall thoughts of OLB Courtney Upshaw? Mel Kiper (1:24 PM) I've always liked him. Been a fan the last couple of years. People compare him to Lamarr Woodley and there's some truth to that. He was the most destructive player on that Alabama defense. That speaks volumes. The question is, is he a tweener? Can he carve a nitch at OLB? There will be some discussion on him. I have him at No. 16 on the Big Board. He was the best player on a great defensive unit.
If you want an all around OLB that can tackle, cover and rush a decent amount then you go for Upshaw, If you want a pure beast of a pass rusher you go for Merciless. I'll leave this to those who know better but to me it doesn't seem like Upshaw has that speed around the edge or the moves to consistently get to the QB. While Merciless has that speed and a big arsenal of moves to get the QB.
General question for the forum, what wr would Have to be On the board for us to pick one up in the first round?
Alshon Jeffery 100%. Blackmon would also be that WR too but I guarantee he wont be there. Jeffery is one hell of a talent and would be wonders for this offense.
Upshaw is like a David Harris. Solid all around player. I won't lie, Im wary of how Saban always has elite defenses, always 3-4, yet I can't name a single elite OLB he has ever produced. How much of Upshaw is the scheme? As far as OLB I think Melvin Ingram is a clear step above the others. He is more explosive, more instinctive, and more powerful than the others. The kid was on the HANDS TEAM on specials at USCe. He just has that "it factor" that goes beyond his 40 time and how many sacks he got. A truly versatile player who has a knack of making big plays. If he is available, I can't see how they could pass on him to anchor that OLB spot for years. Trent Richardson is tempting, but at the end of the day, we led the NFL in rushing with Thomas Jones in 2009, bc we had an elite OL. Build the OL and the offense will dramatically improve.
Whitney Mercilus is the best pure pass rusher in the draft, the guy is a complete beast, as for Upshaw, he is a much more complete player, but I think his performance in the national title game just bumped him up, I wanna see the combine first, because I want PURE speed for our defense
No, you're not the only one, I agree with you on this. Our offense needs to stay on the field more, allow our defense to rest. Mark is a very good play action QB, what better way to help him than having a great running game to keep the opposing defenses off balance. Hopefully Rob Turner will be healthy next year & Vlad will have a full mini-camp to learn & develop more.
I would not mind us trading down, getting an extra pick or two and selecting Kendall Wright toward the bottom of rd 1. He might even move up if he puts up good combine and if he plays in the exibition scouting games that take place. This guy is explosive, fast, and dynamic. He is a playmaker. He can run routes, has great hands, and can get behind the defense.
General question for everybody. One do you think there is a possiblity we could trade back up into either the first or early second? I have been thinking if we take a Courtney Upshaw or Whitney Mercilus at #16 and then if we traded up, potentially taking Devon Still... I have been watching tape and the kid has had some durability issues but looks like an animal. Do you like that? Like that would definitely add youth and speed to our defense, but I just haven't heard anyone talk about him
There's absolutely no fucking way we're trading back into the first for a DL that we don't need when we have numerous other holes that need to be filled.
I hate the concept of trading up, the falcons did it last year for Julio Jones to win the Super Bowl this season (finished 10-6 and one and done in the playoffs.) Now don't have a first round pick this year. The only way to fill the holes we have is to have as many draft picks as we can.
it will be best player available for either WR, OLB, or OT, whoever is the best prospect at these three positions and is on the board they are gonna take. Or if some how Trent is there
I agree 100% with this, that is Rex's philosophy, he never drafts for need, he always tries to go Best player available
