clay's possible future sack partner on tv now

[red]

the guy that may be soon playing opposite of CMIII is about to play in his last college game

Courtney Upshaw is being projected anywhere from mid first to mid 2nd round and would be a great addition to our pass rush

[Joemailman]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...ourtney-upshaw

Analysis
Read and React: Essentially asked to pin his ears back and rush the passer as a weakside defensive end in this scheme, though he shows enough play recognition to project as a linebacker. Feels screens coming and locates the running back rather than giving himself up by pursuing the passer. Locates the ball quickly and hustles in pursuit.

Pass defense: Not often asked to drop back into coverage in this scheme. Shows surprising fluidity when he does so, however, and keeps his head on a swivel. Reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks on the ball quickly, showing better agility than you'd expect for a player of his height/weight. May be unable to perform well in this role on a full-time basis, however, which could prompt the move to inside linebacker rather than outside at the next level.

Pass rush: One of his best traits. Possesses good burst off the snap and as effective a swim move as you'll see in college football. Adept at whipping either arm over the head of the blocker and twisting his body around his opponent to gain clearance with remarkable efficiency. Heavy, active hands which he uses to bat away the tackle's initial punch. Good lateral agility to elude and possesses good straight-line speed for the position. Has a legitimate burst to close on the quarterback and arrives with explosion, creating potential fumble opportunities.

Run defense: Stouter at the point of attack when run at than you'd expect given his lack of ideal size as a hybrid defensive end in this scheme. Plays with excellent pad level and has very good upper and lower body strength to anchor. Uses his impressive swim move and quick, heavy hands to slap away the blocker's attempts at getting into his chest, showing the ability to disengage quickly. Good lateral agility to slip past the blocker and set the edge. Unselfish player willing to take out blockers to create a pile and provide easy tackle opportunities for his teammates. Good effort laterally and downfield in pursuit.

Tackling: This is the area in which scouts from 4-3 teams will want to see more from Upshaw, as he's rarely put in position to make tackles in the open field. Shows good lateral agility and balance when breaking down in tight quarters to tackle elusive ball-carriers, so there is plenty of evidence to believe that he can make this transition. Good upper body strength. Capable of slowing the momentum of the ball-carrier with one arm while simultaneously engaged with a blocker, before slipping off the block for the pull-down tackle. Good effort and speed in pursuit. Physical, explosive tackler who can make the intimidating hit.

Intangibles: Established "The 41 Fund" during the spring of 2011 to help establish funds for the victims of the tornadoes that swept through the state of Alabama … Was arrested for domestic assault for an August, 2009 altercation on campus with his girlfriend, which police happened to be on hand to witness. The charges were ultimately dropped by both parties … Made his initial impression as a special teams standout, leading the Tide with 18 tackles on this unit in 2008 … Highly touted prep prospect who signed with Alabama rated by some recruiting experts among the top 30 players in the country, regardless of position. Was the Alabama Class 5A Lineman of the Year, as voted by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

--Rob Rang

Don't know what TT thinks of him, but it's time to upgrade this position. TT has gone bargain basement at the position ever since trading up to get Clay. Time to get Clay some help. Not sure Upshaw will be available when the Packers pick though.

[Tarlam!]

TT has gone bargain basement at the position ever since trading up to get Clay. Time to get Clay some help.

I agree with this, but feel compelled to defend TT. He clearly prioritized protecting the Franchise in an attempt to draft bookend tackles in the past two drafts. Can't fault his thinking there.

In 2010 he believed he was grabbing a DE with pass rush potential in Mike Neal. In-so-doing, he was, IMHO, bracing the team for the impending loss of Jenkins. In 2011, IMHO, TT fully expected Neal to step in and up. The glaring need was identified to be in the return game. He addressed that with Cobb. As a backup plan, he signed Shaky Smithson.

Rds 3 - Morgan Burnett has turned out far more productive than anything selected after him in terms of pass rush in rounds 3 and four. Also in last year's draft, no pass rushers after TT picked Green, the RB.

What's a GM to do?

[KYPack]

He's rated as the number 2 OLB. Not second round, 2nd best in the draft. One guy on CBS had him falling to us, but the other guy had him going at 18.

if we get him, Red I'll buy ya a beer.

& TT will buy ya a shot.

[Harlan Huckleby]

when I saw "sack partner" I thought KY had scouted girlfriend for matthews

[KYPack]

when I saw "sack partner" I thought KY had scouted girlfriend for matthews

Some latent angst over your Tank debacle, HH?

A pass rushing OLB is one of the pearls of any draft. I don't see the second (or maybe top) one falling to us in the latter portion of the draft.

I'd think we are more in line for the 3rd thru the fifth prospect, unless we move up.

Whitney Mercilus from Ill might be more in line for our draft slot.

+ I love the name, "another Mercilus sack"!

[pbmax]

Some latent angst over your Tank debacle, HH?

A pass rushing OLB is one of the pearls of any draft. I don't see the second (or maybe top) one falling to us in the latter portion of the draft.

I'd think we are more in line for the 3rd thru the fifth prospect, unless we move up.

Whitney Mercilus from Ill might be more in line for our draft slot.

+ I love the name, "another Mercilus sack"!

And nickname him Ming.

[ND72]

I love Upshaw...I've said since last season he'd be a great fit for GB, but I highly doubt he's gonna fall to us. If he does the rest of the NFL will likely protest and see if the NFL will listen to the NBA so the best can't get better.

[gbgary]

I love Upshaw...I've said since last season he'd be a great fit for GB, but I highly doubt he's gonna fall to us. If he does the rest of the NFL will likely protest and see if the NFL will listen to the NBA so the best can't get better.

ok...you guys have convinced me. tt is just going to have to move up to get him. what can we offer....come on!

[KYPack]

ok...you guys have convinced me. tt is just going to have to move up to get him. what can we offer....come on!

I don't think we have the chips to deal for Upshaw. Wwith the "rookie windfall" now gone, teams don't have to lay out much resource to land a blue chipper like Upshaw. Teams last year had no shot to get Von Miller away from Denver. Any team that can draft Upshaw (&needs a 3-4 OLB) will pull the trigger and do it.

It took a 2nd & 2 3rds to land Clay and he was only the 26th pick. Upshaw would be worth more, but I doubt he'll be up for bidding.

[gbgary]

I don't think we have the chips to deal for Upshaw. Wwith the "rookie windfall" now gone, teams don't have to lay out much resource to land a blue chipper like Upshaw. Teams last year had no shot to get Von Miller away from Denver. Any team that can draft Upshaw (&needs a 3-4 OLB) will pull the trigger and do it.

It took a 2nd & 2 3rds to land Clay and he was only the 26th pick. Upshaw would be worth more, but I doubt he'll be up for bidding.

ok...you've convinced me. IT'S OFF! anyone else?

[Cheesehead Craig]

I'm not so sure that Upshaw is a top 20 draft talent. I think he's going to go lower than that and it won't take as much to trade up to get him as many think.

He certainly seems a smart player, which you have to be with Saban's defense. I like him, but I don't see an outstanding pass rusher that's going to get 10+ sacks/season though. He would be an upgrade over what we have.

[gbgary]

I'm not so sure that Upshaw is a top 20 draft talent. I think he's going to go lower than that and it won't take as much to trade up to get him as many think.

He certainly seems a smart player, which you have to be with Saban's defense. I like him, but I don't see an outstanding pass rusher that's going to get 10+ sacks/season though. He would be an upgrade over what we have.

[ND72]

ok...you've convinced me. IT'S OFF! anyone else?

maybe we have a way to trade Flynn for a higher #1?

[Smidgeon]