Editors Note: Our annual Live Draft Chats for 2010 are underway and with that PackerChatters is featuring various articles/information from our Draft Chat guest hosts websites as they prepare for the NFL Draft this April. The Football Expert.com first Chat is scheduled for this Thursday February 11th hosted this week by Clint Clearwater who does all the player analysis for the website. Check our PC Calendar for all Draft Chat dates and times. – PC Staff

by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst

Prospect: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

Ht: 6’5 Wt: 330 40: 5.20

Strengths: Great size and frame.  Good quickness.  Does an excellent job at using his hands, is able to keep defenders away from his body.  He plays with a mauler mentality.  Is very effective at pulling.  Very good strength, and is able to win one on one battles.  He’s an exceptional run blocker.  Underrated pass blocker.  I love how he finishes his blocks.  Good awareness in both pass and run blocking.  He knows how to get to the 2nd level.  Does not give up on plays.  Has a good motor.  Very well rounded prospect.
Weaknesses: Did not play against elite talent.  I see him as a strict interior lineman in the NFL.  Footwork needs improvement.  He will need time to adjust to blitz packages of the NFL.  Needs to be more consistent at keeping his feet moving while blocking.  Often lets defenders underneath his pads.  Had surgery on his shoulder at the beginning of the 2008 season (only missed 2 games).

Summary: Mike Iupati was named one of three finalists for the 2009 Outland Trophy (along with Russell Okung and Ndamukong Suh).  He has played very well this season and has tremendous potential and talent.  He finishes blocks just as good as any lineman in the country.  He has a great frame and tremendous strength.  I love his ability to block his man, and then get to the 2nd level.  May be one of the toughest lineman in the 2010 draft.  However, I see him requiring time to adjust to the talent in the NFL.  There’s no doubt in my mind that he can’t adjust, I simply believe that it may take more time than the usual prospect.  I also see Iupati as an interior lineman in the NFL.  He needs to work on his footwork; and in order to be a tackle in the NFL, you need good footwork to keep up with pass-rushers and quick defenders.  There’s no doubt Iupati has promising potential, there is just the question whether he will be seen as a interior lineman prospect or a raw tackle prospect.

Draft Projection: Late 1st round – early 2nd round

Last updated – 1/23/10

Michael is President of The Football Expert.com, and also NFL Draft Director and Senior Writer. Michael has been following the NFL Draft for more than ten years. He has been quoted in numerous publications, both internet and print. His mock drafts have been on numerous NFL team sites.

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