NFP: Mike Iupati Worked Out With The Bengals
by IFChris on Apr 15, 2010 6:35 PM EDT
in NFL Draft
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While the offensive line position isn't the first thing you think of when the thought "What do the Bengals need to address in the upcoming NFL Draft?" pops into your head -- normally, sexy positions like wide receiver (Mardy-Mar in the house) or tight end come to mind -- it's a safe bet that if someone of quality drops in the first round, Cincinnati is apparently willing to provide more protection to Carson Palmer.
Enter the workout and visitation of Idaho Vandal, Mike Iupati.
While Iupati may not be as popular as Russel Okong, Bruce Campbell or Trent Williams, you better believe teams in need of a solid offensive lineman are certainly aware of him. In fact, the Bengals were one of just nine teams showing interest in Iupati, most of which -- except perhaps the Bengals -- are in need of a quality offensive line. This includes Oakland, Kansas City, Cleveland, Detroit and San Francisco.
Again, these are teams that need quality offensive linemen more than the Bengals. Nevertheless, if he isn't snatched up by the 21st pick, don't be surprised if Mike and Marvin pull the trigger -- and if that happens, Brown won't have to worry about any ugly Andre Smith-style holdouts either. Well, at least I hope a 21st pick wouldn't be that arrogant, unless, of course, he's getting low-balled by the front office (like that EVER happens in Cincinnati).
Here are some of Iupati's particulars:
The 6-foot-6, 331-pounder is coveted by NFL teams for his intensity, athleticism, long arms and brute strength. While he still needs to refine his techique and adjust to a higher level of football, he's regarded as a rising draft prospect.
He also has an awesome head of hair.
Who knows? Maybe the Bengals' front office wants to add another player with bad-ass hair to the team, because if Iupati joins the likes of Jonathan Fanene, Domata Peko, and Rey Maualuga, the Bengals would have a team of veritable Sampsons.
Here's a question for you guys: Let's say both Dez Bryant and Iupati fall all the way to the Bengals' first round slot. Who would you draft?
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That's easy, Iupati without a doubt.
We seem to have the WR thing covered for now. We could improve there but is not a necessity. Iupati is more important to the Bengals right now, other than Mays but that wasn’t the question.
lupati all day every day!!!!!!!!
He is #1 on my board for the Bengals. The line was better last year but not nasty….. He can make it nasty.
I don't like him
He played in one of the all-star games and I thought he looked lost most of the time.
tough one but...
I’m going w Dez on this one. While Iupati could be our reincarnation of Steinbach (I love pulling guards). but he needs work. Bryant is a beast and will be a force to reckon with. Just look at his skills he dominated other cbs in college, all the while who was his qb?
by quickslant on Apr 15, 2010 8:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Having a good WR and a good QB
don’t mean ANYTHING without Pass Protection.. and quite frankly we ran the ball so much last year because we had no Pass Protection.. It’s a bigger need than people think.. If you look at Peyton Manning and Drew Brees last year vs Carson Palmer you will see a mesmerizing difference in the amount of time they had to pass the ball to there receivers..
by JamesShively on Apr 15, 2010 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Mike Iupati
By the scalp of Mel Kiper, bring me more Samoans!
Draft Tebow!!!
He can play the line AND wide-out. Then, he can be the franchise quarterback in like week 8! 3 for 1 baby!!
Wow
Where are all the Dez Bryant guys? I thought I’d be all alone by wanting Iupati here.
Congrats to Mojokong for selling us all on taking a guard in the first round of the NFL draft!
This is our year!
here
yeah, I’d have to say Bryant if it were between the two of them. Not because there’s anything wrong with Iupati; he’s a really good prospect. It’s just that if you get a chance at #21 for an elite talent that really should be going top 10-12, you gotta take him. The fact that Ochocinco’s deal is up in a couple of years, and he may not be here after that, seals the deal for me.
Iupati
No question. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again…this is my dream list of what I think might actually be possible. From this list we should take whoever is highest and still available.
1. Iupati
2. Graham (no that does NOT say gresham)
3. Mays/Bryant/Thomas – I had Mays all alone here earlier, when I thought there was no
chance of the other two falling to us. In truth, I’d be equally happy with any of them.
here
yeah i’m another guy that says that if Dez is actually there still, we need to draft him. It’s rare to get a top talent at that position that late in the draft. I’d take Bryant, than Thomas, than if neither of them are there than Iupati if we don’t feel like trading down (which i would support).
Dont Trade Down
Only reason teams trade down is to get more picks,and lets be honest,not many draft picks are gonna make this team,I dont see using #21 pick on a guard,you can get just as good in the 4th or 5th,and we have a extra 3rd this year,this team is without a startiing TE,and Chad wont be back after next year,so you better groom a good WR this year,and talk to the Bears about bringing Olsen on board,this team is loaded with picks with no place to put them,be creative and look for trades,theres no reason in this world not to offer the Dolphins a 4th round pick for WR Ted Ginn Jr,and the Bears a 3rd round for Olsen,put Ginn in the slot and use him for kickoffs,sooo that brings us to the #21 pick,my pick is Texas S Earl Thomas,lets hope we can get all this done,because if you really look what we have done in the off season,its been staying pat,and that didnt get it done.
The accounts that I’ve seen about Iupati, indicate that this guy is something special. Just because you won’t notice him making one handed grabs or throwing a game winning TD pass doesn’t mean that he isn’t a special talent. Think about it this way: Iupati is an investment in two things 1. Cedric Benson’s yds per carry and 2. Carson Palmer’s health – and for my money – that’s the best investment this team.
This is our year!
Iupati
My first choice in the 1st round would be the best DL or LB on the board. However, if Iupati is available maybe the Bengals should seriously consider drafting him. I would have to pick Iupati over a WR or TE. What good are they if Carson is running for his life and can’t get the pass off in time.
BlitzUp
Iupati
With Livings nor Mathis winning the LG position outright the position needs addressed to stop the extreme rotation and start building continuity on that line.
The Bengals already created competition between Caldwell and Matt Jones. One of these two players will be 4th on the depth chart and the Bengals seldom use WR’s 5 and 6 on the depth chart unless it’s for ST’s. I wouldn’t draft a WR for the Bengals before the 5th round to really create competition for Jerome Simpson and groom this player if he beats Simpson out such as Emanual Sanders of SMU, Marcus Easley of UConn, or David Gettis of Baylor.
Agreed
For everybody who doesn’t think Iupati is a good enough pass protector, ESPN has him ranked as the #1 guard in pass protection.
Best in G class
1. Iupati
2. Asamoah
3. Jerry
This is our year!
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