Mike Iupati NFL Draft Scouting Report

Guard

Idaho


College Position: Guard
School: Idaho
Grade: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 325
Birthdate: 05-12-1987
Draft Projection: Late First
Overall Rank: 24
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Guard (1)

Draft Result Drafted in the 2010 Draft by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1st round with the #17 pick.
After using the 11th pick on Anthony Davis, the Niners add even more talent to their offensive line with guard Mike Iupati. Iupati is a powerful run blocker with a mean streak who will likely start immediately at left guard next to Joe Staley. Don't expect the Niners to run a zone blocking scheme with powerful guards Iupati and Chilo Rachal. The Niners spent the first half of last season trying to play smash mouth football and became a spread offense out of necessity due to spotty line play. Expect Alex Smith to play more under center in 2010 with an improved offensive line that can maul you in the ground game and let him set his feet in the pocket.

Strengths
  • Top guard prospect in the draft
  • Three year starter at Idaho, all as a left guard
  • Nasty run blocker. Dominates at the point of attack.
  • Good initial punch as a run blocker. Locks on to defenders and finishes blocks
  • Physical speciman - big, powerful athletic build. Massive arms and legs
  • Sets up quickly
  • Great footwork in pass protectcion
  • Tremendous week at the Senior Bowl - Best O-lineman on either team
              

Weaknesses
  • Hard to believe a player with his size and footwork spent his entire college career as a guard
  • Dominant run blocker but still improving in pass protection
  • Occassionally struggles locating linebackers in space
  • Relies too much on strength. Must take better angles against linebackers and faster defensive linemen
  • Needs to use his hands better in pass protection

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