About Upshaw the Alabama OLB

[John from Riverside]

I know this isnt gonna be popular but I was watching tape on him the other day and honestly he looked slow as a pass rusher and blockable with one guy. Is anybody else seeing this?

 

I dont want to use that 1st round pick on someone who isnt going to be a immediate starter and playmaker for this team.......even if the position is corner (and I hate drafting 1st round corners) if there is a special talent at a defensive position...I think that is where we should go.

[BuffaloBaumer]

If this is the case, you know the Bills will pick him. They can try and trade him to the Jets for Maybin if it does not work out. Seriously, the draft is dead in the town until they get a franchise QB.

[RyanC883]

I know this isnt gonna be popular but I was watching tape on him the other day and honestly he looked slow as a pass rusher and blockable with one guy. Is anybody else seeing this?

 

I dont want to use that 1st round pick on someone who isnt going to be a immediate starter and playmaker for this team.......even if the position is corner (and I hate drafting 1st round corners) if there is a special talent at a defensive position...I think that is where we should go.

 

 

I think he'll be good. People said the same thing about Von Miller. Another interesting choice is the WR Blackmen (sp) from Ok State. If you want the top playmaker, I have no problem w/ that as long as its an every down playmaker (ie. not Spiller/Maybin type, but a A.J Green/Dalton type).

[Dopey]

If this is the case, you know the Bills will pick him. They can try and trade him to the Jets for Maybin if it does not work out. Seriously, the draft is dead in the town until they get a franchise QB.

I'm looking foward to it. I like the last two drafts compared to jauron drafts.

[RyanC883]

If this is the case, you know the Bills will pick him. They can try and trade him to the Jets for Maybin if it does not work out. Seriously, the draft is dead in the town until they get a franchise QB.

 

 

You mean Fitz is not a franchise QB? I thought the hallmark of success is overthrowning wide open receivers down the field and only being able to complete short passes.

 

I agree. We NEED a top QB. Fitz overthrew several people yesterday. Perahps Johnson drops the ball because it's actually where it's suppossed to be. I'm all for Griffen from Baylor. The guy has all the tools of a franchise QB. Smart, leader, responsible, great athlete, can pass in the pocket, rocket arm/accurracy.

[John from Riverside]

I think he'll be good. People said the same thing about Von Miller. Another interesting choice is the WR Blackmen (sp) from Ok State. If you want the top playmaker, I have no problem w/ that as long as its an every down playmaker (ie. not Spiller/Maybin type, but a A.J Green/Dalton type).

 

The thing about Von Miller is they are not the same type of player...Von Miller is a freaky athletic pass rusher and has been from day one.....people were just worried about him being undersized.

 

Two different problems for these two players to me.

[DrDawkinstein]

Upshaw is not Miller when it comes to pure edge pass rushing. But I dont know any other players that are. And if you want to wait for another Miller until you draft an OLB, then we will be waiting a long time.

 

Upshaw is still a playmaker and would start from Day 1. Remember, we wont be drafting at #2 or #3. If we could grab Upshaw at/around #9 that would be perfect.

 

He's strong and hits like a truck. He can also play the run!

[RyanC883]

The thing about Von Miller is they are not the same type of player...Von Miller is a freaky athletic pass rusher and has been from day one.....people were just worried about him being undersized.

 

Two different problems for these two players to me.

 

 

What do you think about just taking the top 4 down playmaker left, regardless of position? I'd be for that (this team has a LOT of holes to fill.).

[jr1]

4.76 40 time

[Bill from NYC]

John, Upshaw is a complete linebacker, and he weighs over 260. He provides a ton of pressure and has to be accounted for on every play.

Not only that, he has a ton of tackles behind the los on running plays. Alabama concentrates very much on stopping the run.

He will be quite the player for some lucky team.

[NewEra]

Very slim chance that Blackmon falls to us. Slim to none. Regarding upshaw, I like his tenacity and size. I like his college system. I don't like his speed as a pass rusher and it seems like every time i see him get a sack, he's just running in there un blocked. I haven't watch much alabama this year, so I may be off base with that comment. If we pick top 8, I'd prefer to trade down if we are dead set on a LB. Id be happy taking a qb, Jeffery, kalil maybe Martin, Kirkpatrick or Claiborne. If matheiu is a special player as well. Another thing our FO will look at, is what positions will have some top talent stil available in rd 2. If they like an OLB pegged to go rd 2, I'd rather them take bpa at a need position in rd 1. I don't view upshaw as a top 10 talent in this draft.

[CBD]

Why don't we wait until we see where we're picking before deciding whether or not a player will fall to us?

[BEAST MODE BABY!]

Why don't we wait until we see where we're picking before deciding whether or not a player will fall to us?

 

Because that would entail us watching more Bills games

[NewEra]

<br />Why don't we wait until we see where we're picking before deciding whether or not a player will fall to us?<br />

the seasons over. It's time to talk about the draft. It's what we do here. What would you prefer to talk about? Firing George Edwards? Chan sucks, Ralph is cheap? Should resign Stevie and Fred? Been there done that, it's time to discuss the draft. Draft position won't be set for weeks, so we shouldn't talk about the draft because we dont know where we're picking?

[CBD]

the seasons over. It's time to talk about the draft. It's what we do here. What would you prefer to talk about? Firing George Edwards? Chan sucks, Ralph is cheap? Should resign Stevie and Fred? Been there done that, it's time to discuss the draft. Draft position won't be set for weeks, so we shouldn't talk about the draft because we dont know where we're picking?

Too much coffee today?

 

You can talk about the draft all you want, I encourage it. A statement was made that a player wouldn't fall to the Bills pick. I'm saying making that specific statement isn't very logical since we dont know where the Bills are picking. Especially since it's very possible the Bills may not win another game and pick very high.

 

Also, I don't think Mathieu is draft eligible as he is a true sophomore.

Edited December 5, 2011 by Carey Bender

[DrDawkinstein]

Discussing the draft has nothing to do with how the Bills are doing. They are independent. Even if the Bills were 12-0, Id still be discussing the draft as I love college football, and no matter what, the Draft IS going to happen come April. Its never too early to start discussing/watching potential picks.

[Stl Bills]

I think he'll be good. People said the same thing about Von Miller. Another interesting choice is the WR Blackmen (sp) from Ok State. If you want the top playmaker, I have no problem w/ that as long as its an every down playmaker (ie. not Spiller/Maybin type, but a A.J Green/Dalton type).

 

Way too early to say but I bet Blackmon won't be around when we pick.... I could see him going #2 to Saint Louis.

[C.Biscuit97]

John, Upshaw is a complete linebacker, and he weighs over 260. He provides a ton of pressure and has to be accounted for on every play.

Not only that, he has a ton of tackles behind the los on running plays. Alabama concentrates very much on stopping the run.

He will be quite the player for some lucky team.

 

 

It does seem that almost every defensive player from Alabama is pro ready. However, it is a lot easier to make plays when you are surrounded by studs. IMO, it is similar to Qbs from USC. They rarely face pressure, play in perfect conditions, and throw to blue chips. It's not like that in the NFL. Given how good Bama's d line is, Upshaw rarely takes on blockers head on.

 

I'm not saying he won't be a good player but there are a ton of guys who were studs in college who don't translate. IMO, the speed is a very big concern (Brandon Spikes for instance).

[....lybob]

How does Upshaw compare to Vince Curry, Zach Brown, Quinton Coples as a defender who helps our pass rush?

[DrDawkinstein]

It does seem that almost every defensive player from Alabama is pro ready. However, it is a lot easier to make plays when you are surrounded by studs. IMO, it is similar to Qbs from USC. They rarely face pressure, play in perfect conditions, and throw to blue chips. It's not like that in the NFL. Given how good Bama's d line is, Upshaw rarely takes on blockers head on.

 

I'm not saying he won't be a good player but there are a ton of guys who were studs in college who don't translate. IMO, the speed is a very big concern (Brandon Spikes for instance).

 

Playing the OLB spot with his hand often in the ground, Upshaw REGULARLY takes on blockers head on. He does not hide behind the DLine like the ILBs (Johnson and Hightower). Rather he is part of that DLine that makes those players so successful.

[C.Biscuit97]

Playing the OLB spot with his hand often in the ground, Upshaw REGULARLY takes on blockers head on. He does not hide behind the DLine like the ILBs (Johnson and Hightower). Rather he is part of that DLine that makes those players so successful.

 

Thanks because honestly I haven't watched a ton of Bama this year. I watched the LSU-Bama game in a bar and was so bored, I got distracted by other things.

 

In your opinion, what kind of player is Upshaw going to be? Is he a 3-4 OLB? Is he the pass rusher we so badly need?

[sllib olaffub]

You mean Fitz is not a franchise QB? I thought the hallmark of success is overthrowning wide open receivers down the field and only being able to complete short passes.

 

I agree. We NEED a top QB. Fitz overthrew several people yesterday. Perahps Johnson drops the ball because it's actually where it's suppossed to be. I'm all for Griffen from Baylor. The guy has all the tools of a franchise QB. Smart, leader, responsible, great athlete, can pass in the pocket, rocket arm/accurracy.

 

I totally agree - couldn't agree more, in fact. We need a lot of things, but to be competitve enough to get to the playoffs, we need - if Fitz is our QB, we need a lights out defense. It can't be mid level, it's got to be very good. Fitz is the kind of QB that can win with an excellent Defense, but he isn't going to win games himself, or make everyone around him look better.

That is why I'm in favor of drafting a top QB and letting him sit behind Fitz for a year, if he needs it. That would give the Bills fans something to look forward to, and it would give Gailey and Nix and the new D-coordinator this draft and one more to become who they are going to become. Griffen from Baylor looks exactly like Gailey would want, and it might be just our luck (pun intended) - if he comes out - that Luck is in this draft, not to mention the other 2 QB's who are seen as top 1st round talent. If Griffen enters the draft, there are 4 QB's who might be very good to hope to get one from... I'm for taking when it's there to take.

We can find a stud OLB every year - we can't find a good QB, in Buffalo, but once every twenty or so years. If the great QB is there to get, get him and don't look back.

Edited December 5, 2011 by sllib olaffub

[mjt328]

To be honest, he really doesn't impress me either.

 

 

I'm no NFL scout, but I like to think that I can spot talent when I see it.

Last year, I really liked Dareus, Fairly and Von Miller, and thought all would be good picks for us.

 

 

I don't think Upshaw looks to be in the same ballpark as any of those guys.

[DrDawkinstein]

Thanks because honestly I haven't watched a ton of Bama this year. I watched the LSU-Bama game in a bar and was so bored, I got distracted by other things.

 

In your opinion, what kind of player is Upshaw going to be? Is he a 3-4 OLB? Is he the pass rusher we so badly need?

 

Yeah, the "Game of the Century" was quite the snoozer. Even my girlfriend was excited about it, and then it was such a let down. Hopefully the Championship game is better.

 

My advice for next season, watch as much SEC football as possible. Especially Bama and LSU, as those are the defenses we will/should be drafting from.

 

IMO, Upshaw is definitely a 3-4 OLB. He can rush the passer well, and stop the run.

 

Is he a "Von Miller" when it comes to rushing the passer? No, but few are. Anyone expecting to draft that type of talent outside of the top-3 is crazy. However, Miller can also be one-dimensional.

 

I'd compare Upshaw more to young Merriman. A stouter, intense player no matter if he is rushing the passer, stopping a run, sniffing out a screen, or pursuing a play from the backside.

 

If we are picking around 10 (+/- a couple spots), I believe Upshaw would be a great choice there to address our needs on D.

[bouds]

Not a fan. I think his long term position is ILB in a 3-4, he won't be able to stay with TE's and he's an average pass rusher. Very little explosiveness, we need to find a guy like Aldon Smith.

 

Upshaw can definitely set the edge against the run, but he's going to have to cover TE's at some point and he'll be exposed.

Edited December 5, 2011 by bouds

[DrDawkinstein]

Not a fan. I think his long term position is ILB in a 3-4, he won't be able to stay with TE's and he's an average pass rusher. Very little explosiveness, we need to find a guy like Aldon Smith.

 

Upshaw can definitely set the edge against the run, but he's going to have to cover TE's at some point and he'll be exposed.

 

Normally we have a Safety (Scott, Wilson/Searcy) or ILB (Sheppard) on the TEs. I dont remember seeing Kelsay, Batten, Carrington, etc dropping with a TE often or ever. Maybe out in a flat, but not downfield. Please correct me if Im wrong.

[BRAWNDO]

I totally agree - couldn't agree more, in fact. We need a lot of things, but to be competitve enough to get to the playoffs, we need - if Fitz is our QB, we need a lights out defense. It can't be mid level, it's got to be very good. Fitz is the kind of QB that can win with an excellent Defense, but he isn't going to win games himself, or make everyone around him look better.

That is why I'm in favor of drafting a top QB and letting him sit behind Fitz for a year, if he needs it. That would give the Bills fans something to look forward to, and it would give Gailey and Nix and the new D-coordinator this draft and one more to become who they are going to become. Griffen from Baylor looks exactly like Gailey would want, and it might be just our luck (pun intended) - if he comes out - that Luck is in this draft, not to mention the other 2 QB's who are seen as top 1st round talent. If Griffen enters the draft, there are 4 QB's who might be very good to hope to get one from... I'm for taking when it's there to take.

We can find a stud OLB every year - we can't find a good QB, in Buffalo, but once every twenty or so years. If the great QB is there to get, get him and don't look back.

 

Griffith probably won't last past the top ten, he probably will be picked before Landry Jones.

[NewEra]

<br />Too much coffee today? <br /><br />You can talk about the draft all you want, I encourage it. A statement was made that a player wouldn't fall to the Bills pick. I'm saying making that specific statement isn't very logical since we dont know where the Bills are picking. Especially since it's very possible the Bills may not win another game and pick very high.<br /><br />Also, I don't think Mathieu is draft eligible as he is a true sophomore.<br />

no coffee. Is the player in question Robert Blackmon? Well, if it is, even if we lose out, I still believe the chances of him being there when we draft to be slim to none. He's that good. Thx for the info about Mathieu. Kid is ridiculous. I'm starting to think CB might have to be the pick if Kirkpatrick or Claiborne is there. Williams is hurt...again. Let's hope this isn't a regular occurrence. If it is, CB is just a big a need as any, including OLB (not including qb, I'd take rg3 before any player other than luck and Barkley). The best teams in the league win by passing. We need to be able to do it consistently or prevent it consistently.

[n3wyork13]

Because that would entail us watching more Bills games

AGREED!

[DrDawkinstein]

no coffee. Is the player in question Robert Blackmon? Well, if it is, even if we lose out, I still believe the chances of him being there when we draft to be slim to none. He's that good. Thx for the info about Mathieu. Kid is ridiculous. I'm starting to think CB might have to be the pick if Kirkpatrick or Claiborne is there. Williams is hurt...again. Let's hope this isn't a regular occurrence. If it is, CB is just a big a need as any, including OLB (not including qb, I'd take rg3 before any player other than luck and Barkley). The best teams in the league win by passing. We need to be able to do it consistently or prevent it consistently.

 

Im a big proponent of getting our LBs and DL set this draft/offseason so that in 2013 we can make a run for Mathieu in the 1st. A backfield with him and Byrd would be scary. Just need to snag a taller CB in the mid-rounds this year to go along with Williams and Rogers, as Mathieu is pretty tiny (5'7" on a good day).

[bouds]

Normally we have a Safety (Scott, Wilson/Searcy) or ILB (Sheppard) on the TEs. I dont remember seeing Kelsay, Batten, Carrington, etc dropping with a TE often or ever. Maybe out in a flat, but not downfield. Please correct me if Im wrong.

 

Finley torched Kelsay last year, when they asked him to cover, Edwards learned from that failed experiment.

 

If we're seriously considering playing a legit 3-4, we need our OLB to cover from time to time. Matthews/Ware/Harrison/Woodley all do it.

[DrDawkinstein]

Finley torched Kelsay last year, when they asked him to cover, Edwards learned from that failed experiment.

 

If we're seriously considering playing a legit 3-4, we need our OLB to cover from time to time. Matthews/Ware/Harrison/Woodley all do it.

 

Fair enough, I kinda remember that Kelsay issue last year. But if Harrison and Woodley can cover, so can Upshaw. Im not saying there isnt a better player in the draft. There very well may be, and Im open to suggestions. But in discussing specifically Upshaw, I think he would help improve our D.

[LynchMob23]

I know this isnt gonna be popular but I was watching tape on him the other day and honestly he looked slow as a pass rusher and blockable with one guy. Is anybody else seeing this?

 

I dont want to use that 1st round pick on someone who isnt going to be a immediate starter and playmaker for this team.......even if the position is corner (and I hate drafting 1st round corners) if there is a special talent at a defensive position...I think that is where we should go.

He's kinda an upgrade over Kelsay, not a replacement for Merriman if that makes sense. He's a big, heavy handed OLB/DE that can play hand up or hand down and get you 6-8 sacks. He's not going to be a 10+ sack guy. I think they should take a page out of the 2007 Steelers and get two OLBs back to back - someone like him in 1 and then a Jenkins or Curry in round 2...

[T master]

You mean Fitz is not a franchise QB? I thought the hallmark of success is overthrowning wide open receivers down the field and only being able to complete short passes.

 

I agree. We NEED a top QB. Fitz overthrew several people yesterday. Perahps Johnson drops the ball because it's actually where it's suppossed to be. I'm all for Griffen from Baylor. The guy has all the tools of a franchise QB. Smart, leader, responsible, great athlete, can pass in the pocket, rocket arm/accurracy.

 

I agree to a point . I do like Fitz but if we are to look to the future Griffen is a great choice !! Plus Fitz would be a great teacher & not a bad back up plan if he wanted to stick around after the switch .

 

A QB & a monster pass rusher & the Bills would be a different team -- Oh & some depth would definitely help !!!

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Way too early to say but I bet Blackmon won't be around when we pick.... I could see him going #2 to Saint Louis.

Don't know anything about Blackmon but I do know that the Rams have 3 good pass rushers in Chris Long, James Hall, and Robert Quinn.

 

Would they really draft another one on a team with a lot of weaknesses?

 

Playing the OLB spot with his hand often in the ground, Upshaw REGULARLY takes on blockers head on. He does not hide behind the DLine like the ILBs (Johnson and Hightower). Rather he is part of that DLine that makes those players so successful.

I usually wait until the combine to start trusting measurables but according to the link upthread, Upshaw is 6'2, 265 and runs a 4.73 forty.

 

That sounds like a very atypical size for either DE or OLB regardless of scheme.

 

I'm not saying he's a player or not because I haven't watched/don't know and certainly there are atypical players like Dumervil at 5'10" and Dwight Freeney at 6'1" but point is the same… if you trust the early measurables, Upshaw doesn't conform to a prototype and isn't the body type that pro scouts seek.

 

Height/weight/forty time he seems very similar to Brandon Graham who was chosen 13th overall and played well before a serious knee injury.

 

 

[It's in My Blood]

. I'm starting to think CB might have to be the pick if Kirkpatrick or Claiborne is there. Williams is hurt...again. Let's hope this isn't a regular occurrence. If it is, CB is just a big a need as any, including OLB (not including qb, I'd take rg3 before any player other than luck and .

 

If we had any resemblance of a pass rush our pass defense wouldn't be as weak as it is. My ideal scenario would be to sign Cortland Finnegan and Anthony Spencer (which is financially possible) in FA, draft Upshaw or Hightower 1st, WR in the 2nd and O-line 3rd.

 

We have now upgraded our pass rush,solidified our secondary, gave Fitz another weapon and more protection, our IR'd players return, and our rookies are now more experienced. Playoffs!

 

(Hey, it could happen )

Edited December 7, 2011 by It's in My Blood

[EldaBillsFan]

Zach Brown!

[bill13ver]

Ronnell Lewis!!!!!!!

[K-9]

Granted, I only have the videos and LSU game to go by, but in what little I have seen, it looks like Upshaw lacks the kind of explosion out of his stance that you'd like to see.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[tombstone56]

at present we are in a 5 way tie for picks 11-15..

if Upshaw showcases himself in the bowl game hes likely to push himself into a top 10 pick,,

its unlikely we will be in top ten being their is a 6way tie for picks 4-10..

 

THAT BEING SAID ID TAKE HIM WITHOUT REGRET IF AVAILABLE,,, BUT LOOK FOR DONTE HIGHTOWER his teammate OR QUENTIN COPLES from NC ,Hightower is a 1st IMO but some rate him as 2nd ,,if he slips to a 2 hes a steal,,