Jets Courting Courtney (Upshaw)?

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw (41) grabs LSU Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson (9) during the BCS National Championship game at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

When I think of great defensive players, especially when it comes to pass rushers a few names come to mind. Deacon Jones, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher. With of those names  comes these adjectives. Intense, smart, physical, intimidating, instinctive and feared. Those guys would make QBs and ball carriers shake in fear and run for their lives. On April 26, 2012 the NY Jets will have a chance to draft Courtney Upshaw. Upshaw has all the characteristics to be just like those players I just mentioned.Out of Alabama Upshaw is listed as 6/2″, 272 lbs. Upshaw has admitted he would like to play at about 267 lbs. But says the extra weight is not slowing him down. Everything  I have read about on this young man has been positive. He can play LB or DE. Is a very instinctive player who not only can run down the Qb but also sniff out a draw play or screen pass. During his senior year at Alabama he lead the team with 8 1/2 sacks (16 1/2 in his career). In his career he had 1 INT which he scored a TD and a fumble recover also in which he scored a TD. Ironically, both of his TDs were for 45 yards each. 88 solo tackles along with 53 assisted tackles in 4 seasons for Alabama.  The first team All American and All SEC has been on more than just Rex and the Jet’s radar. It has been reported that Marvin Lewis (Bengals Head Coach) is hoping that Upshaw will drop to the #21 spot. I say that is a long shot. I don’t think the Jets pass on this defensive play maker, but will he be on the board at #16? I think he will. As good as he is I don’t see him as a top 10 pick. We already know that picks #1 & 2 will be Andrew Luck and RGIII. SO the Jets will have to see what the next 13 teams do. Of course the Bengals can trade up, but I don’t see that happening.   According to ESPN.com draft board Upshaw is ranked at #17 and has only 3 defensive linemen or LBs in front of him. I would love to see the Jets pick up Courtney.And I predict hat Upshaw will get picked #16 by the Jets and I am also  going to predict that come Week #1 he is starting for Rex’s defense.  It will be great to have a LB that is feared by the opponents.