Patriots 2012 Draft Report: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

By Matthew Marcantonio in College, Featured, Opinion, Patriots ⋅ December 19, 2011 at 4:26pm ⋅ Post a comment

Will the Nick Saban-Bill Belichick connection amount to Courtney Upshaw being a Patriot? (woolyal.com)

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Height: 6-2
Weight: 265
2011 Stats: 45 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Overview:

Courtney Upshaw may be the best defensive player on the best defense in all of college football.

Upshaw’s role increased in his junior season, after recording 37 tackles in his two years at Tuscaloosa. While not known for his coverage ability, Upshaw is a complete linebacker prospect who can defend the run and rush the passer.

Upshaw has a great motor and good speed for his size. With his hand in the ground he’s had trouble shedding off blocks and exploding out of his stance, but look for him to play standing up in the NFL.

In general, over his career Upshaw has played against some of the top offensive lineman in the country. His success at the college level should translate to the NFL.

Patriots Outlook:

I know at this point it’s a cliche – and that it’s well understood — but it’s worth mentioning again: Bill Belichick likes picking from Nick Saban’s crop of players.

It’s also well understood that the Patriots have little depth at OLB. Aside from Rob Ninkovich, who is not a great pass rusher, but is solid in run support, New England is suffering with Gary Guyton and Tracy White.

The need for an outside linebacker has been pressing for some time with the Patriots, and in 2010 it appeared that New England added permanent bandage. But, how has it began to slip off. Jermaine Cunningham, the band-aid in this sense, had a miserable sophomore season.

One .. 1 .. tackle in nine games miserable.

Drafting Upshaw would give the Patriots an immediate upgrade at the position and a guy who is up-to-the task to start from day one. The question of a prospect’s draft stock often boils down to his 40-yard dash.

If Upshaw runs well, as in 4.65-4.68, he will be a first round prospect. Never once in New England has Bill Belichick drafted a OLB in the first round.

But there’s a first time for everything, right?

Video:

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Previous Draft Profiles
1. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
2. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
3. Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State

About Matthew Marcantonio - My Twitter

Matthew Marcantonio is the Patriots and college football editor at Sports of Boston. Marcantonio has contributed for two newspapers; the Sentinel & Enterprise (Leominster, Mass) and The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La) and held internships with The Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated.

Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Alabama, Courtney Upshaw, New England Patriots, Nick Saban

Discussion

2 comments for “Patriots 2012 Draft Report: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama”

Great but how will that get done? Upshaw will likely go between # 10 & # 16 in first. looks like it would take three high draft picks to get into that range, yes/no?

Posted by steve earle | January 13, 2012, 7:24 pm
Well Matt looks like small adjustment needed after N.O. went down. Pat’s in line for the # 27 pick now. How about this scenario:
Pat’s offer 1#32, 2#48, and a player (Brace, Guyton, or White) to Phili for 1#15.
It’s possable Upshaw could slip down there but if he doesn’t Donta’Hightower likely would be there. An upgrade for sure @ RLB. Would Phili consider this in your opinion?

Posted by steve earle | January 16, 2012, 9:10 pm