Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

I've finally had some time to sit down and get some scouting done, and decided to use what little footage I had to look at Mike Iupati, the monstrous (6'6 330lbs) offensive guard from the University of Idaho. I had the chance to watch two games of Iupati, against Colorado State and San Diego State.

It should be noted that this is the first time I have seriously scouted a player from a non-BCS school. More importantly, this is the first time I've scouted a player who is playing against comparatively weaker competition. Hopefully, my estimates as to the talent difference are accurate.

Athletically, Iupati is a specimen. I actually question if he is really 330lbs, because he has a very svelte frame and quite honestly looks like his lower body could get even bigger without losing quickness. Of course, his lower body strength (and upper body) are already well above average. He's a powerful drive blocker and has the anchor in pass protection to stop defensive tackles in their tracks. He also moves exceptionally well for a guard, a natural runner with good explosion.

As a run blocker, Iupati is exceptional. The biggest problem he has is that he moves so well, Idaho feels compelled to move him around on a lot of their running plays (lots of "power" runs to the right side, where Iupati pulls). While he does this quite well, Iupati is best when he is allowed to block straight ahead, either moving a defensive tackle backwards or getting a linebacker on the second level. In Seattle's zone blocking scheme, Iupati is as good as anyone I've scouted at adjusting to linebackers on the second level. His combination of size, athleticism, and ability to adjust lead me to believe he will be a great run blocker in the NFL. He hustles to block for WRs on screens and plays through the whistle on many runs.

Pass protection is not quite as glowing. In general, Iupati did quite well. He had a really poor quarter against Colorado State where he struggled to keep his man away from the quarterback. The root of the problem seemed to come when Iupati stopped moving his feet after making contact, which is something that can be coached. I was impressed by his ability to get into his stance quickly off the snap, not once did his man beat him off the snap. Iupati generally plays with good leverage, which is important since he is quite tall for a guard. He also has good footwork and can slide with a stunting tackle easily.

This ability to move his feet has lead to many NFL scouts suspecting that Iupati could play tackle in the NFL. I'm not quite sold on the idea, myself, as I could see some of the freak athletes beating Iupati. He does seem a little awkward in space, from what little I've seen, and personally his value as a guard seems so great I'd probably just keep him there.

All in all, Iupati is a prospect I am very excited about. His size and athleticism, combined with a fairly nasty demeanor and a great ability to adjust to linebackers, makes him a top prospect. If Iupati is available with Seattle's second pick, I'd run to the podium to make the selection. If Seattle can find a partner desiring a top ten pick, I'd consider trading down as well to take Iupati with Seattle's first pick.