5 NFL free agents you need to know more about

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Chicago Bears wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (17) catches the football during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on November 12, 2017 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Courtney Upshaw – EDGE

Upshaw only played 197 snaps last season resulting in five tackles and a sack in a rotational defensive tackle role for the Atlanta Falcons. Upshaw was ultimately used for depth on the defensive line, so his production was extremely limited.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide star and second round pick is an extremely versatile defender. He can play on all facets of the defensive line and play linebacker. He never really developed into the pass rusher that everyone thought he was going to be but has flashes at times of the quickness, strength and playmaking ability that made him an Alabama all-time great.

Upshaw can fit into a multitude of different defensive packages with his ability to play linebacker in 3-4 schemes which will make him very valuable and add much needed depth to many teams. At 29 years old Upshaw is a veteran who still is a solid pass rusher as well as a run stopper who can make a difference coming off the edge or on the interior. He has a lot of ability and knowledge of the game that can help younger defensive linemen on and off the field.

Possible Landing Spot – Detroit Lions

The Lions are entering their first season with new head coach Matt Patricia leading the way. The former defensive guru for the New England Patriots is looking to get Detroit out from the shadows of the NFC and make a run through the postseason. That won’t be easy if they cannot get to the quarterback on defense.

Ezekiel Ansah is a rare talent at defensive end but is frequently injured, leaving the Lions without much in the way of an edge rusher. With Patricia in town, you should expect to see a lot of different formations on defense as he showed with the Patriots and the different schemes he would come up with.

Upshaw would make a perfect fit in Detroit, as he can rotate in and out around the defensive line as well as stand up as a 3-4 Linebacker when called upon. Upshaw should be able to maximize his potential with a team like Detroit and display why he was one of the best players to come out of the University of Alabama.

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