Overall
You look at Courtney Upshaw's weaknesses as we have listed, his measureables, or you just might watch him for 1 play, and think he isn't all that special. However, if you watch him play for a whole game, you will see how much of an impact he makes on the game, even if the stat-sheet doesn't show it. His technique, fundamentals, and Football IQ are fantastic. He plays with great leverage, pad level, has great instincts, and is always in the right position. Upshaw was a huge reason the Crimson Tide were so hard to run on, as he does a fantastic job at the point of attack, blowing up his blocker, he sets the edge forcing everything inside, and when the ball is run at him, he can get off his block, and make a play on the ball carrier. As a pass rusher, what Upshaw lacks in explosion, he makes up for in strength, tenacity, and technique. He uses his hands as well as any pass rusher in the draft, violently attacking his blocker, and knocking down his opponents hands, so as not to get engaged. He won't have many plays where he immediately blows by his man, but he consistently brings pressure on every down. Upshaw could also fit in pretty much any defensive scheme, buy we feel he would be best suited as a 3-4 OLB. Upshaw will not fall out of the top 15 picks.
