Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Buffalo Bills Select DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw

In his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the Buffalo Bills taking Alabama defensive end/outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw with the 10th overall pick in the first round.

The Bills selecting Upshaw is one of Kiper's picks that didn't change from Mock 1.0 to 2.0, and for good reason. A vast majority have the Bills taking Upshaw in the first round because the need and value fit so well.

Here is what Kiper had to say on Buffalo selecting Upshaw at No. 10:

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This is another pick that I'm staying with for now. The pass rush still needs a lot of help, and Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft. Even as Buffalo looks to shift that defense to a 4-3 (see Denver's draft strategy at No. 2 last year) Upshaw can still easily fit. Don't pass talent because of small scheme questions. He should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012. Remember, nobody on the Bills managed more than 5.5 sacks in 2011, and as a team, they simply haven't been able to get pressure unless they bring numbers. This is an energetic talent, an edge linebacker in the mold of a more athletic LaMarr Woodley, a guy who has been well-coached and can start early.

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The Bills' need for pass rush is a well-trotted path. 

Buffalo ranked tied for 27th in the NFL with just 29 total sacks in 2011. Over the last two seasons, only Tampa Bay has fewer sacks than the Bills' 56. 

As the Bills defense transitions back into the 4-3 defense, finding a pass-rusher to place on the edge becomes a top priority. The guys already on the roster simply haven't gotten it done in recent years as edge rushers. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Shawne Merriman played on over 200 snaps in 2011 but provided just one sack, one quarterback hit and four pressures. On over 1,000 snaps, Chris Kelsay and Arthur Moats had just eight sacks and six quarterback hits combined.

That kind of production moving forward won't cut it.

As Kiper said, Upshaw is the best 3-4 linebacker in this draft but could still be used in a number of ways in a 4-3, much like the Denver Broncos did with Von Miller last season.

Miller was athletic enough to play standing up on early downs and talented enough as a traditional pass-rusher to play with his hand on the ground on third downs and other obvious passing situations. Upshaw has that same kind of versatility as a football player.

In the draft community, Upshaw is a widely-praised prospect.

Here is what National Football Post has for a brief scouting report on Upshaw:

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I like him as a 3-4 outside backer who can play on the strong side, take on linemen at the point and also rush the passer. He's at his best attacking downhill, using his strong hands to disengage and always is around the football. Looks like a year one starter to me at the next level with scheme versatility.   

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Kiper has Upshaw as his No. 11 prospect on the Top 25 "Big Board" and had this to say:

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A riser throughout the year, improved his pass-rush skills and should convert to 3-4 OLB at the next level. Great pad level, uses hands well and violently, and battles against the run. Fits the LaMarr Woodley comparison.

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Bills fans shouldn't be scared off by the "3-4 outside linebacker" label. Upshaw should have the capacity to be a star in either front.

And if there's any pass-rusher on the board right now that could have an immediate, Aldon Smith/Von Miller-like impact in year one, it's Upshaw. Landing in Buffalo is a good fit for both sides.

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