Pass Rush Personified
Seahawks NFL draft preview: Courtney Upshaw
With the Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL draft (#12 overall) a name you could easily hear called is Courtney Upshaw.
Courtney Upshaw is one of those players who does some things very well and at other times I am left scratching my head wondering how he is going to translate to the NFL.
It seemed only natural to split his NFL draft profile into a love’ em hate’ em piece.
Love ‘em
I love the effort he gives while he attacks the quarterback. He pins his ears back and gets after it. He is a high motor player who wants to hit the quarterback on every play.
I love his hands. Courtney has quick hands that allow him to keep offensive lineman from getting their hands inside to stop his pass rush.
I love the way he can impact a game. Not only does he have an outstanding ability to rush the passer but when he gets there he is also looking to strip the ball and create a turn over.
Hate ‘em
Courtney Upshaw can also have a negitive impact on his team. His football awareness is less than mediocre.
2012 NFL Draft Fact: Courtney Upshaw has quick hands
He is late to recognize miss-direction plays and when he eventually does recognize them he is slow to recover.
As an offensive coordinator I would constantly run play actions and draws in his direction. Screen passes where he is responsible to get outside and cover the back in the flat? Forget it.
Aaron Curry anyone?
Despite having hands that are so quick I do not see him being able to have as much success at the pro level in his pass rush.
He has a tendency to stand up while rushing the passer leaving his chest wide open for the tackle to target.
He uses his quick hands at the college level to fight off the tackles hands but when he goes up against NFL players he wont have as big of an advantage and his opponents will take advantage of that.
All in all I don’t value Courtney Upshaw at the 12th overall pick. I think the Seahawks will have better options when it is their turn to draft, but we shall see what they do.
Come the 26th of April I could very easily be writing a piece about how he fits or does not fit what the Seahawks are trying to do.
Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
Height: 6-2 Weight: 272
Projected Position: DE/OLB
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2012
40 Time: 4.76
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