2012 NFL Mock Draft: Everything After Andrew Luck Is A Mystery - SBNation.com

10. Buffalo Bills, Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Upshaw got big boost ahead of the draft with his MVP performance in the BCS National Championship [insert comment about BCS sham here]. The Bills really need a pass rusher after posting one of the league's worst sack rates in 2011.

4 months ago Brian Galliford 24 comments 0 recs |

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I’m down. He lacks the size Nix expressed a desire for, but I can dig this pick.

Ron Paul 2012

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 17, 2012 10:39 AM EST via mobile reply actions

We need to get a lot of Alabama and LSU guys

They have a culture of winning and will bring it to the team

by telka on Jan 17, 2012 10:46 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I’m in the Upshaw camp as well. Wouldn’t upset me if they grabbed Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama either. 6’2 CB. Would be an instant starter. Either one would be.

by Michael_Necci on Jan 17, 2012 10:46 AM EST reply actions

Is Upshaw the best bet?

He lacks the size one might want and he may not do all that well as an OLB in 3-4 configurations. That’s another way of saying he’s not as versatile as the Bills usually like and may simply be a more talented version of Chris Kelsay. Melvin Ingram at 270 lbs. may be a better choice. He’s quicker than Upshaw and a better pass-rusher, although he will need to develop against the run. He didn’t make the first round in this mock draft, but other mocks are putting him in the top fifteen or so. The Bills could probably trade down (something Buddy Nix ought to learn how to do) and still be able to get him while adding a nice second round pick. That is, assuming Tannehill doesn’t drop to them at #10.

by Macktruck on Jan 17, 2012 11:01 AM EST reply actions

Yeah, at this point, I only see three defenders that have value at 10: Claiborne, Kirkpatrick, and Brockers. So, trading down is a good option, though Nix likes the draft to fall to him.

It’s amazing that two weeks ago, no one had heard of Ryan Tannehill. This mock is the second that I’ve seen (the first being an earlier version on CBS Sports) that had Tannehill picked before the Bills 10th pick.

January should be fan-prospect catch-up month. Because Tannehill didn’t just get good the past two weeks.

Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.

by Der Jaeger on Jan 17, 2012 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

hey I was talking him up last year.

The score dictated they pass

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 17, 2012 11:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Don't get hung up on size

If he’s a player, a gamer… and a leader with a history of production against top talent, then he is worth the pick… not saying I want him over some, but he sounds like a very good, safe pick… however, Id like to know where the Aldon Smith of this draft is… if there is one

I'm waitin'..... @killascript on twitter

by killascript on Jan 17, 2012 11:03 AM EST reply actions

I keep seeing “size” brought up with Upshaw, but the dude is ideal weight-wise. His height should be cited as a concern – and between height and weight, weight is the more important factor, particularly if the arms are long.

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by Brian Galliford on Jan 17, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

I seem to recall a lot of people being concerned about Dwight Freeney’s height and weight…how that work out for Indy? I say if the guy can play, he can play. There is way to much time on peoples hands this time of year to nitpick every prospects wing span, height, weight, forty time, etc. I just want football players, simple as that

by jonnychicago on Jan 17, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

jonnychicago

Freeney has some serious speed. Upshaw does not in my opinion.

by AP22 on Jan 17, 2012 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

exactly. Upshaw is built just like james harrison. He is a sure fire pick since he played in the SEC.

by Longhorns52 on Jan 17, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

Jawalrus played in the SEC there is no such thing

As sure fire picks

With the first pick in the 2012 draft the Indianapolis Colts select Robert Griffen III

by Gpluehri on Jan 17, 2012 1:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

SEC

Well id take a player whose has played in a college conference where the competiton is much tougher, hence the last six national champs came from the SEC. Courtney Upshaw is the most NFL ready pass rusher

by Longhorns52 on Jan 17, 2012 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

Whitney Mercilus

"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-

by billsoferie on Jan 17, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, a one-year wonder like Aldon Smith, but he may be as talented.

by Macktruck on Jan 17, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

Plus you gotta love the name.

by MythicPicnic on Jan 17, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Especially if you love jazz.

by Macktruck on Jan 17, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

And like another pass rusher we’d all like to forget…

by bizarro bills on Jan 17, 2012 1:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I wonder if his father’s name is “Ming”? Ming the Mercilus…

"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"

According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)

by fansince60 on Jan 17, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

I'd be more concerned

Nix won’t draft Upshaw because of his size rather than he won’t be good because of his size. I think the Championship Game clearly proved he is worthy of top ten status.

Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/

by Billsdownunder on Jan 17, 2012 12:12 PM EST reply actions

We can just draft nothing but Alabama talent on the defense from this point forward and I’d be all right with it. Dareus + Upshaw, next year we can snag Square or someone…

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by UZ on Jan 17, 2012 1:14 PM EST reply actions