Courtney Upshaw: 6 Biggest Pros and Cons of 2012 NFL Draft Prospect

Did anyone on defense have as much of an impact on his team last college football season as Courtney Upshaw did for the Alabama Crimson Tide?

The linebacker/defensive end is now one of the most sought after defensive players in Thursday's NFL Draft.

Upshaw's ability to play both on the line and standing up in the middle makes him a rare find of "hybrid" pass-rusher, run stuffer.

He used his dominance on the college level to help Alabama beat the likes of LSU and Florida with ease.

While he can play various areas on defense, the fact he may not have a "true" position in the pros may hurt his draft stock.

But like the other four Tide players who could be drafted in the first round, he will show his potential and possibly dominate on the next level as well.

Here  is how sidelinescouting.com has reviewed Upshaw's play and how he will be used on the next level of play.

Great Pass-Rusher

Upshaw had excellent production his junior and senior seasons.

He has great size to play outside in a 3-4 scheme, and could also be capable of rushing off the edge in a 4-3 due to athleticism and quickness, versatility is a big plus. 

Uses Plenty of Force

He hits with a lot of force, can wrap up and drive through most ball carriers with relative ease, and drives feet at contact on most occasions.

Since he can play all over the middle of the defense, it will cause issues for offense keeping him in their sights.

A Disciplined Player

He shows good discipline and instincts, rarely gets out of position and is good at maintaining containment off the edge.

Although base 3-4 teams will show interest in Upshaw due to his size and pass-rushing abilities (along with experience at the 3-4 OLB position), he might be best suited with his hand in the dirt at the defensive end position.

Has Great Bulk to Play Many Spots

Upshaw will be better suited for a 3-4 scheme. His height might be a slight disadvantage, he can lose sight of the ball carrier behind taller defensive linemen...

If he cannot see over the line, he could lose the passer or even the runner when he comes through the defensive front.

Slow and Lumbering

He can also look rather slow and lumbering at times, especially in pursuit.

Upshaw has shorter arms than one would hope for in an edge rusher and he will struggle against offensive linemen who can get into his pads at contact.

He's not a quick-twitch athlete and lacks elite burst and agility, but he does display a high motor and good second effort. He is also not well-suited for man-to-man coverage and can be a liability when asked to drop into coverage.

Could Be More Agile

Upshaw can be a little slow off the snap and is sometimes standing completely upright surveying the offense when the ball is snapped.

He also did not compete in the Alabama pro day due to tendinitis, according to cbssportsline.com's Robert Rang.