everlong
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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From a body type comparison, I think Upshaw and Woodly is a good one. And while Woodly may be better in coverage, Upshaw is much better against the run. I've said in previous threads that I haven't seen a DE/OLB prospect that plays the run as well as Upshaw in my time following the draft (which hasn't been very long). He might be limited in coverage, but I think those responsibilities in this system are overblown. Its not like he is going to be asked to run down the field with TE's, he would be asked to drop into shallow zones and cover the flats, where he has shown good instincts at Alabama.
I agree Upshaw is better again the run than Woodley.
In terms of the weak side backer having less coverage responsibilities that's been true more recently because it's been the likes of Burgess, TBC, Carter and Anderson over there. So you only see them drop sporadically if ever. Teams know this and will set up formations to take advantage of the weakness. When it was Vrabel, Colvin or Thomas on that side they were average in the case of Colvin and above average for Vrabel and Thomas in coverage. When the backer on that side can drop it opens up a lot more creativity with the defenses. Ninkovich for all the complaining on this board about him being a stop gap is a good pass defender. Maybe Bill is OK with having one guy who can drop and that would open up the possibility for Upshaw but I think between his physical measurables and his being suspect in space they'll pass.
Good discussion and thanks for the hard work on your mock.