Courtney Upshaw to Baltimore Ravens: Pick Analysis, Grade and Scouting Report

Courtney Upshaw experienced the biggest free fall of the year but finally, with the 35th pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected the outside linebacker from Alabama on Friday evening. 

The Crimson Tide captured the BCS National Championship on the back of their excellent defense. A big part of that defense was stud Courtney Upshaw. 

Upshaw paired his tremendous season with a solid Senior Bowl performance, and he had the scouts from the Ravens drooling.

The 6'1", 273-pound monster posted 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and an interception on the season. 

He is a versatile player that can line up in many different places on the defensive side of the ball. He is best at rushing the passer with huge bursts of speed and finishes explosion of a sack. He uses his hands well and can get inside the pocket.

Upshaw founded The 41 Fund in the spring of last year to raises funds for the victims of the Alabama tornadoes. While that has nothing to do with football, the NFL loves to honor players that help out the community, and the explosive Upshaw could find his place in the league both on the field and off it. 

This was a great pick for Baltimore. Upshaw is a bit underrated, but I am incredibly high on him. Watching him play in the Alabama defense was a blessing. Everything worked wonderfully for the Crimson Tide defense and everyone had a place. 

Courtney Upshaw will find a similar place in The Charm City. 

I love this pick for the Ravens because it was a complete steal as Upshaw will make an instant impact in the league. 

Grade: B+