Nothing in those two videos you posted wowed me or convinced me Upshaw should be the player the Jets should pick at #16. Pass.
Here is another observation on Upshaw from the videos I've seen, he hardly ever gets pushed off the line or out of play. He may not always get penetration but he holds the point of attack and can be very disruptive. Unlike myself vividly recalling our LB's and some of our front 7 being pushed or stood up all to often during the rush. Also remember, the jets could use 2 olb's who could rush the passer. Having Upshaw command such attention and strength will make Pace more productive at his attack.
Either DeCastro or Jonathan Martin. Floyd or Ingram would also be nice depending on what we do in FA. Personally I'd take Ingram, Hightower, Perry or even Mercilus before thinking about Upshaw. He has Cactus written all over him. IMO the team needs to get a true impact player in round 1, rather than just a solid 2 down player.
This is what I see. I think people want to see a guy abusing tackles on every play, but no one does that. I see a player with: 1) great size/bulk 2) Amazing short area speed 3) hits extremely hard 4) a player who is very smart, doesn't play out of position, holds his gaps extremely well 5) Strong hands when contact is established with lineman 6) plays with great leverage since he's just under 6'2" 7) Extremely well coached and ready to go in a 3-4 from day one.
Exactly, not even Mr. Demarcus Ware runs over tackles every play. Just ask Dallas fans who were hurting for a pass rush against the giants in the last game they played against eachother. I'm telling you, some of these athletic DE pass rushers projected high around Upshaw have the potential to fail much harder.
I'd love Floyd or Ingram. To be honest, I think Ingram is the guy I'd want the most at this point out of everyone we have a shot at getting. Unfortunately I think he boosted his stock too much at the combine for him to drop to our pick. Martin hasn't impressed me. DeCastro is an absolute beast but we're better off at Guard than we are at OLB/WR and I think he'll be gone by our pick. I'd love Hightower if we traded down, dude plays sideline to sideline and has really impressed me. Mercilus and Perry are very intriguing to me. They both seem to have high ceilings, I just think Upshaw is more of a sure thing and I don't buy into the whole "Upshaw is slow/his combine sucked" mentality. He might not be a burner but he has more than enough acceleration and closing speed for the OLB position, as well as strong, active hands and a nose for the football.
Here is an interesting thought. What if we trade back a few spots if Upshaw is on the board and hope he remains when he gets to us? Upshaw and an extra pick just seems unfair.
I think it is very possible that we can be OTC with Upshaw, Hightower, Perry and Merciless available. If that's the case we should absolutely be looking to trade back, problem is finding someone willing to trade up to the 16th spot. The only way I'm not looking to trade down in this draft is if TRich is available, which I think is possible but not likely.
