A new series was formed over a month ago called The Future 40, and the next edition is here! The segment has and will continue to run every other day until late April as we provide you with in-depth scouting reports of some 2010 NFL Draft prospects, giving you information key to understanding some of the players’ strengths, weaknesses, projected round of selection, possibility of being picked by the Eagles, and much more! And because the Draft is an important event for the entire league, some of the top-ranked players not expected to go to Philadelphia will also be reported on. This time around, we will switch over to the offensive side of the ball and look at Mike Iupati:

  • Prospect Name: Mike Iupati
  • Position: Offensive Guard
  • College: University of Idaho
  • Height/Weight: 6′5″, 330 pounds
  • Age: 22 years
  • Class Status: Senior

Summary: After an honorable high school career in Anaheim, California in which he received all-conference and all-state awards as well as respect for playing on both sides of the ball, Mike Iupati was recruited to Idaho with less than large expectations. Despite a premier size and build for the offensive front, he had poor academic grades and achievements, and was overall a bit of a question mark heading into his collegiate career as a Vandal. In fact, he was only allowed to play in the NCAA after his parents payed an out-of-state tuition fee and provided expenses for his room and board on campus. He sat out the 2005 campaign with redshirt status, but debuted the following season with a better understanding of the offensive strategy and appeared in several games as a reserve lineman. After improving his skill set and working hard in the offseason, Iupati managed to earn a spot in the starting lineup for his sophomore season of ‘07. He played in all of Idaho’s 12 games and by the end of the year was considered one of the most dominant Guards in the WAC conference. Unfortunately, an end-of-the-year shoulder surgery kept him out of action until Week 3 of the next season. He was able to play with success nonetheless, and even performed well enough to earn honors as one of the top players in the Vandals’ conference. After being named to a few preseason watch lists, Iupati finished his collegiate career with a strong 2009 senior season in which more awards were given to him and he rose on many professional scouts’ Draft prospect rankings. Currently, he stands as perhaps the best Offensive Guard entering the 2010 NFL Draft, and has a lot of potential for the next level of football.

Career Statistics:

YEAR TEAM GAMES GAMES STARTED SNAPS MISSED DURING STARTS

2006 12 0 -
2007 12 12 -
2008 12 8 -
2009 12 12 -

Notable Achievements/Awards:

  • All-WAC Honors (2008, 2009)
  • All-American Honors (2009)
  • Outland Trophy Award finalist (2009)
  • Lombardi Trophy Watch List member (2009)

Strengths:

  • Has large frame/massive size (typically a positive for a lineman)
  • Utilizes weight/bulk well when containing oncoming defenders
  • Possesses surprisingly good speed and athleticism for a player at his position
  • Knows how to properly block on a consistent basis
  • Has aggressive hand blocking technique
  • Can move well when asked to pull off the line or shift in certain blocking formations
  • Has the potential to dominate the defensive line
  • Has some ability to play at the Tackle positions as well
  • Is a tough-minded character with an aggressive toughness
  • Seems to have a lot of upside/potential for the NFL

Weaknesses:

  • Tends to try and block in tight space and not open up in formation
  • Can get sloppy in initial footwork
  • When trying to protect the angles of the line, often loses control of defenders
  • Requires more coaching in the aspect of drawing the defender away from the line
  • Sometimes late in reaction to pass rushes
  • Might be beaten by speedier Defensive Tackles or Ends

Projected Round of Selection: 1st-2nd round

NFL Player Comparison: Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs

(picture source)



1 Comment

So, I’m no big football fan, but I just wanted to add that I am from Anaheim!

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