Courtney Upshaw to Ravens: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Few players embodied the spirit of the legendary Alabama defense that is stacking the draft like Courtney Upshaw. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban called him the "meanest player he ever coached" and opponents would probably agree. The 6'2" 272 lb defensive end/outside linebacker 'tweener is very effective setting the edge against the run and he hand fights relentlessly as a pass rusher. His play recognition and reaction is probably the best at his position in this class. He was defensive MVP of the national championship game and led his team in sacks and tackles for loss in his senior year.

Upshaw's scouting report emphasizes the difference between his film/intangibles, his measureables and his fit at the next level:

Pro Football Weekly:

"Positives:

Very strong, power-based edge-setter — presses the line and can jolt and even ragdoll blockers. Plays with consistent leverage. Can sort out play action and quickly locate the ball. Strong bullrush and quick counter swim move. Strong-handed to play off blocks. Drive-through, wrap tackler. Hits with power. Chases down backs from behind. Defensive tempo-setter — highly competitive and it shows. Runs to the ball. Extremely tough mentally and physically. Excellent weight-room strength and body power.

Negatives:

Has small hands. Average arm length — can be engulfed by bigger blockers (and was swallowed in drills at the Senior Bowl). Is wound tightly and lacks ideal edge burst and acceleration to take the corner. Average agility and coverage range — labors to flip his hips and can be stressed by quick backs in space. Is best when he is turned loose with simple assignments and allowed to attack. Average Combine showing — appeared out of shape, turned off coaches with lack of urgency jogging between drills, was very late to react and transition in change of direction and opted not to run. Character requires some scrutiny. Average booksmarts.

Summary:

A very thickly-built, high-intensity, power-leverage rusher best with his hand in the ground moving forward. Is not as athletic as LaMarr Woodley but could best fit a similar type of role as an intimidating 3-4 rush linebacker.

"

Wes Bunting, National Football Post:

"

A physically imposing put together linebacker/defensive end hybrid who will stand up and play with his hand on the ground... only average straight-line speed... is quicker/more coordinated than fast in tight areas and gets up to speed quickly. Generates a lot of natural power on contact... Reads and reacts well in space, deciphers information quickly... isn't going to hold up at the next level in space or man consistently... is extremely violent/powerful with his hands when attacking downhill. Consistently is able to take on blocks, disengage... is at his best as a pass rusher standing up... looks more sudden/shifty laterally off the ball from a two point stance.. when run at has the power to anchor at the point vs. SEC offensive tackles.. is a bit inconsistent getting off the snap on time and is more of a power player only.

Impression: I like him as a 34 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. 

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Upshaw's energy and edge are contagious. It's hard to imagine he won't at least be used as a situational pass rusher right off the bat, but his advanced ability to read and react should get him on the field as a starter very early in his career. Some even project him as a 3-4 inside linebacker, and he certainly fits in the new NFL that emphasizes scheme versatility on defense.

While he'll never lead the league in sacks, Upshaw will be a very strong every-down player who creates as many plays with his head and hustle as he does by initially defeating his opponent with the tools at his disposal. He's almost certain to be a stalwart starter and fan favorite who lifts the level of play around him.

Pick Analysis: OLB was a glaring hole for the Ravens entering the offseason, and Upshaw should help mitigate the loss of Jarret Johnson to San Diego. B/R's draft experts thought this would be a good fit, and the Ravens smartly pulled the trigger.