Alabama's Courtney Upshaw is a disruptive pass rusher and is as versatile as any defender in the 2012 NFL Draft class. The senior can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up and has been productive, especially against stiff competition. 

Amazing versatility

Strengths

• Extremely versatile - can play rush or inside linebacker in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive end
• Great awareness - locates the ball with ease
• Plays with hustle - pursues plays with tenacity
• Natural pass rusher
• Excellent swim move - also has a strong rip move because of his violent hands
• Explosive tackler - powerful drive, strong upper body
• Agile for his size (6-foot-2, 265 pounds)
• Special teams coverage experience
• Charitable - set up the 411 Fund to help tornado victims
• High motor - relentless player

Weaknesses

• Was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend in 2009 - charges were ultimately dropped
• Will struggle in man-to-man coverage
• Initial burst isn't particularly impressive
• Is not overly athletic
• Short arms - lacks overall size of a prototypical 3-4 edge rusher

Expected draft placement

Upshaw will draw interest from a variety of teams because of his versatility. The Buffalo Bills (No. 10), now employing a 4-3 alignment, will strongly consider him to play defensive end. He could be selected in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys (No. 14) if Anthony Spencer defects in free agency. Upshaw may also be on the radar of the Arizona Cardinals (No. 13), New York Jets (No. 16) and San Diego Chargers (No. 18).