Mike Iupati Scouting Report

Lupati -- another of a long list of American Samoa-born players available in April's NFL Draft -- is one of the best guard prospects in the nation, despite his team gathering little press coverage. A product of Western Prep (California), the 6-foot-6 mammoth enrolled with the Vandals in 2006. Lupati played little as a true freshman in 2006 but changed that the following spring when he snatched the left guard position and never looked back. He started all 12 games in 2007 and 10 (missed much of 2 games due to an off season shoulder surgery) in 2008. Lupati was voted team captain for the 2009 campaign. He has great overall size and a frame to grow even more. Is quick off the blocks despite having just average (5.3e) speed. Gets in position quickly and walls blockers well. Works relative well through the hole and is an anchor in pass protection. Bends knee well and has good balance. Does not display a lot of power despite bulk. Sometimes get pushed around. Tends to play too tall and lets defender move underneath his shoulder pads. Needs to do a better job sinking his hips. Has marginal skills on the second level as he too often loses his balance there. A good player with some upside to develop, Lupati is one of the top tier G prospects in a relatively weak class. Lupati needs to refine his footwork and develop a better hand coordination. He will need time to adjust to the speed of the pro game; carries a mid third round rate. 3/3 Update: Iupati has been steadily moving up draft boards since the end of Idaho's season. Initially limited to a second or third rounder just because he was a guard and not a tackle, Iupati has moved well beyond those expectations. After a solid NFL Combine and other workouts, Iupati is now considered nearly a lock to be a first round selection. He will not be a top 15 pick, but Pittsburgh or Dallas should not pass on him later in the opening round.