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Photo of Mike Iupati
Mike Iupati (OG)
  • Height:
    6'5"
  • Weight:
    331 lbs.
  • Arm Length:
    34 3/4 in.
  • Hand Size:
    10 5/8 in.
  • College:
    Idaho
  • Conference:
    WAC
Featured Prospects
Selected by: San Francisco 49ers
Round: 1
Pick (Overall): 17 (17)
Discuss
Pick Analysis: The 49ers continue to fortify their offensive line with the selection of Mike Iupati. The rugged interior blocker possesses the size and strength to blow defenders off the ball, and his style is an ideal fit in the 49ers' smash mouth running game. A leaky offensive line kept the team from maximizing its potential a season ago, but the additions of Anthony Davis and Iupati have turned a position of weakness into one of strength heading into 2010.

Overview

Iupati is a massive guard that started three years at Idaho although he did miss some time in 2008 after dealing with offseason shoulder surgery. He is one of the more powerful blockers in the draft and once he gets his hands on opponents it’s pretty much all over. Iupati was born in American Samoa and English is not his native language which can slow down his progress when it comes to learning new schemes and the playbook. While it may take Iupati a bit longer to develop into a front line player, he could have a long and productive career once he settles in.


Strengths

Iupati has terrific size for an interior blocker. Plays with a lot of toughness and tenacity. Exhibits outstanding power in the running game and in pass protection. Has very good body control and balance. Possesses great short area quickness and really jolts defenders. Appears to have heavy hands in pass protection.

Weaknesses

Lacks adequate speed for the guard position. Must improve his instincts for the game and get better dealing with complex defensive line play. Because of sub-par speed, downfield blocking needs to get better. Struggles to get to the second level in the running game.

Grade

8.4

 

Video Playlist

  • Watch: Niners take Iupati

    Niners take Iupati

    Published: April 22, 2010 at 09:38 p.m.

    The 49ers select Idaho G Mike Iupati at No. 17, their second first-round pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.

    01:36
  • Watch: Mike Iupati vs. Maurkice Pouncey

    Mike Iupati vs. Maurkice Pouncey

    Published: April 15, 2010 at 07:16 p.m.

    Mike Mayock and Charley Casserly both see Pro Bowl potential in these two offensive linemen.

    01:47
  • Watch: First Draft: Mike Iupati

    First Draft: Mike Iupati

    Published: April 8, 2010 at 06:25 p.m.

    Learn why the Samoan-born Mike Iupati says football has changed his life in so many ways.

    01:27
Watch more Draft video >

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