Idaho guard Mike Iupati is considered by a lot of folks to be the best guard available in the 2010 NFL draft. His stock has been rising and early projections have him in the mid-to-late part of the first round.
A three-year starter at Idaho, Iupati has improved each year and has developed into the highly touted prospect he is today. Scouts are enthusiastic about his ability and believe he can play OT or OG at the next level. The versatility that he presents, to go along with the strong showing that he’s had this offseason, makes Iupati a valuable commodity and it’s likely that he could hear his name called in the 16 – 23 range.
He's scheduling lots of visits already.
According to Scout.com, he has or will visit the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. He is also likely to visit the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFL draft.
SB Nation's Mocking The Draft recognized Iupati's talents early. Back in January, MTD's scouting report said he's versatile enough to be considered a first round pick.
The question about Iupati is where to play him. His footwork, arm length and strength is so good he could probably play left tackle. Iupati could be the next Branden Albert – a solid tackle with little upside. Or he could stick at guard and start from Day 1.
Guards aren't generally taken in the first round, but Iupati could be the exception.
Read more about the rise of Iupati's stock at SB Nation's draft community, Mocking The Draft.
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His footwork is questionable in pass and zone run blocking schemes
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-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
by NMVike on Mar 22, 2010 1:34 PM EDT reply actions
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