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AJ:Texans draft watch: Guard Mike Iupati
- Thread starter Wolf
- Start date
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
Boy, you really know how to take the luster off a guy!
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
How can you watch him in that game and then type this sentence. "I didn't think he looked that bad." LOL.
His feet were awful at times, he acted like he couldn't move when going against the smaller but faster Gino Atkins (which is probably why you have a athletic 6-5 325 pound lineman being stuck at OG and not out at tackle despite playing at a small school). He also didn't know how to play with any leverage at all. All of this without even getting into his hand work, which you already mentioned. He made one noticeable good play today on Blount's TD run and even that play was borderline holding.
I'm jumping off this guy's bandwagon so fast I'm breaking ankles. What Vinny typed was one of the funniest yet one of the most spot on descriptions I've heard about any player.
Funny, sad, and true all at the same time.
texanfan2002114
Veteran
I couldn't agree with you more! He was used and abused today! I will pass as well!
Vinny
shiny happy fan
his feet were pitiful. The reason he was doing so much holding (he should have been called for holding on just about every play) was due to his lack of footwork. For a guy with such long arms he let everyone into his body...he's another, "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane".
Goatcheese
Texan
This reminds me of the folks who were screaming for Schaub to be cut after the Jets game. 
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
This reminds me of the folks who were screaming for Schaub to be cut after the Jets game.
Umm...who was saying that?
Schaub already proved he could play at a high level way before that game and this year. Iupati looked awful...alot worse than Schaub ever looked in that Jets game.
Goatcheese
Texan
Eriadoc, Marcus, and euro-texan, among others wanted Schaub benched(not cut, I was exaggerating).
Iupati was dominant for most of the last 2 seasons, and all of this week. He had a bad game and suddenly he's a terrible player. That makes absolutely zero sense.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Well, that's just stupid...no argument there.
He played at a small school..in the WAC, really how often did this guy go up against a elite college DT?
And it wasn't just that he "had a bad game". The guy had a bad game in just about every facet that a offensive lineman could have a bad game in. He looked lost. It's one thing to get beat on a couple of plays, but there wasn't many battles that he won handedly out there. (The guy got moved to the other guard position and was beaten/outplayed by MULTIPLE players), which is alarming for a guy who's supposed to be "the best guard prospect IN YEARS". To say "he had a bad game" is understatement.
I also don't really care what he did in practice, I care what players do when the bullets are flying. There are a ton of "practice guys" who turn heads and then when they get on a field with other elite players their pants fall down. That's what happened to Iupati today.
Sorry, it is what it is. The guy downright looked like he didn't belong out there and if he looked like that out there against other top college players, it's scary to think what this guy could look like on Sundays.
I do not want him with our first round pick.
He'll still be at worst a very good player in the NFL. People are blowing a bad day out of porportion. The guy has allpro potential, he just needs to be coached up. If he could come in and dominate like people were expecting him to do he would be a top 10 pick easy. Not you Goatcheese but some people need to realize where he came from.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
Blowing a bad day out of proportion and blowing a good day out of proportion, both happen all the time.
He was exposed, and it certainly did not help him. He appears to be more of a project than earn the starting position in his first year type guy. What I like is that he will certainly be put under the microscope by our staff......well at least I can hope they will.
He was exposed, and it certainly did not help him. He appears to be more of a project than earn the starting position in his first year type guy. What I like is that he will certainly be put under the microscope by our staff......well at least I can hope they will.
Carr looked awsome in practice, for a point of refrence.
Mailman
Pwned by Hakeem
+1
Iupati could've certainly showed better than he did, but his performance wasn't nearly as dismal as it's been described in this thread.
Jeez, talk about overreacting....
Vinny
shiny happy fan
he's only going to see top talent in the NFL (here is where I usually insert my 0k0ye jokes but I digress...) and he was shockingly bad in technique when faced with 'top talent' -and all that reaching and holding was a sign he was overwhelmed. No way he could play tackle in the NFL with those feet and he doesn't play with enough leverage to be elite as a G in the NFL based on what I saw in the Sr Bowl. I hope we don't pick this stiff. He may look good in shorts and is athletic enough in drills, but he was shockingly awful in the game. It's been a while since I've seen a guy reach that much and try to grab DL's on the fly. In open space or once guys got a step on him laterally, he was just lost like Todd Wade. Very Herman Munster like lunging, reaching and grabbing instead of moving thy feets and punching. He may be a project but he isn't worth risking an early pick based on what I saw. I think the book on him is that he is a LG only...and will be a project with elite size....you know, like Todd Wade was.Blowing a bad day out of proportion and blowing a good day out of proportion, both happen all the time.
He was exposed, and it certainly did not help him. He appears to be more of a project than earn the starting position in his first year type guy. What I like is that he will certainly be put under the microscope by our staff......well at least I can hope they will.
This was likely the first opportunity anyone here has to actually see the guy play. Seriously, how much Idaho football have you (or anyone else) seen? According to the draftniks, Iupati is a great prospect. Sometimes, they are right. Sometimes, they're just flat out wrong.
Just from what I saw, Iupati looked like a player who was thinking, rather than reacting. The game looked too fast for him. This was a new system, and he had a week to absorb new techniques. And he has probably never seen the caliber of DTs he faced this week. So, I won't suggest that he can't become a player in the NFL. He definitely looks the part. But it's obvious to me that Iupati will require a lot of NFL coaching. 1st round picks are generally expected to produce straight out of the box. Iupati doesn't look like that type of player.
Mailman
Pwned by Hakeem
I went back and watched the first couple of drives by the North offense and don't agree with the adjectives you're using. Iupati started the game at right guard and looked okay early--he was winning most of his battles until the holding call, at which point he came completely undone. I don't know if it was a function of him being out of his natural position or Dan Williams and Gino Atkins just kicking ass, but he definitely wasn't playing well at that point. However, they switched him back to left guard and he just dominated for those series of plays. He looked like a totally different player.
I think y'all might need to back away from the hyperbole ledge.
I think y'all might need to back away from the hyperbole ledge.
Mailman
Pwned by Hakeem
A tweet from former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah:
"Iupati and Dan Williams are having a good battle.. both 1st round picks"
http://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/8429300995
"Iupati and Dan Williams are having a good battle.. both 1st round picks"
http://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/8429300995
Vinny
shiny happy fan
he started at lg and moved to rg and was totally exposed. He could have been called for holding at least 6-7 times. Possibly more....he'll get a NFL QB killed playing like that. It's just a different opinion than yours, so relax.
houstonspartan
All Pro
Sounds like the kid has potential as an NFL player, but not as a starter. We're going to need someone to jump right in.
Mailman
Pwned by Hakeem
Actually, he didn't start at LG. He started at RG, then moved to LG on the third series iirc. (Maybe you were mistaking Wang for Iupati? They both have that crazy hair.)
Yes, he could've been called for holding a few times. He also stoned his guy on the left side multiple times, including one play which Mayock commented on where he took out two guys on a QB scramble.
I don't disagree with some of the criticisms of his play in this game, I just think the conclusions are way premature. He was not as terrible as advertised in this thread, nor was his play in the game as other-worldly as he reportedly was in practice.
I'm with goatcheese on this one. Lotta time left until the draft for his stock to skyrocket, drop, and settle.
b0ng
Bad Hombre
Why are people trying to already pencil this guy in at tackle? The guy's biggest strength is being able to make great pulls as a huge guard. Reminds me of the Branden Albert crap that happened a few years ago.
Stick the dude at LG, don't move him around the line he's not Bruce ****ing Matthews and be done with it. From what I've read the guy was as good as advertised the few snaps he got to play LG.
Stick the dude at LG, don't move him around the line he's not Bruce ****ing Matthews and be done with it. From what I've read the guy was as good as advertised the few snaps he got to play LG.
b0ng
Bad Hombre
And since most scouts watch the practices and not the actual game itself, here are some reviews of his practices:
http://www.nfl.com/seniorbowl/story...emplate=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/18593/idaho-og-iupati-impresses-at-senior-bowl
http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2010/01/senior_bowl_practice_notes_1.html
http://dallascowboysnation.com/2010...ect-other-prosects-turn-heads/comment-page-1/
I'm not saying the dude is the next Munch, but I have seen plenty of players play badly at the Sr Bowl and be good/great NFL players. On the flipside, there are always players who wow during the game and suck everywhere else. So take the hyperbole and the Todd Wade with a grain of salt. The guy is going to be drafted by somebody, and I'd say it's more than likely going to be on day 1. Whether it's the Texans or not is another story all together (I for one am still on board the wagon).
http://www.nfl.com/seniorbowl/story...emplate=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/18593/idaho-og-iupati-impresses-at-senior-bowl
http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2010/01/senior_bowl_practice_notes_1.html
http://dallascowboysnation.com/2010...ect-other-prosects-turn-heads/comment-page-1/
I'm not saying the dude is the next Munch, but I have seen plenty of players play badly at the Sr Bowl and be good/great NFL players. On the flipside, there are always players who wow during the game and suck everywhere else. So take the hyperbole and the Todd Wade with a grain of salt. The guy is going to be drafted by somebody, and I'd say it's more than likely going to be on day 1. Whether it's the Texans or not is another story all together (I for one am still on board the wagon).
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I went into this game eager to watch the action in the trenches. Like others have said, Iupati looked horrible at RG. He did look a little better as the game progressed, but still not as advertised.
Dan Williams looked pretty good.
Houston looked good at times, but was often over-powered.
Dan Williams looked pretty good.
Houston looked good at times, but was often over-powered.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
I was really interested in Iupati. I just think he's too raw right now to come in and start for us and make a positive impact. If we're in a "win now" mentality, we need to get guys that not only have long term potential for us... but can make an immediate impact.
bah007
Hall of Fame
It would be best for Iupati if he could go to a team that doesn't need him to step in right away. He has the tools but he definitely needs some NFL coaching before he can contribute.
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
http://draftnasty.com/insider_blogs...-senior-looks-to-throw-block-party-at-senior/
This guy was built to be an NFL guard. He's so off the charts it's scary how good he will become.
http://www.greeninkpub.com/
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
Well, don't know about steroids. I do know they eat a lot of fish in American Somoa. Most American Somoans don't have enough cash to buy even meat, let alone stroids. And wasn't this the same bombs everyone was throwing out at Cushing last year ?
The guy is just big. Not fat, big. You could line him up at tail back or TE if you wanted. I equate the bending and lunging just the same as Andre Johnson when he came out trapping the balls against his body instead of using his hands. The only thing this guy needs is some coaching. Punch, don't grab or lunge. He'll figure it out. And your correct Vinny. He's never seen the kind of speed he will see in the NFL. But the whole point of it is the guy is off the charts as an 330 pound athlete. So much so I believe he'll flourish in the ZBS. When he takes his shirt off at the weigh in....he looks like a taller silver backed Gorilla. Chris White unfairly or not is as big and as Athletic as he's ever going to get. This guy has a chance to be an o-line super star.
Said my say we'll see.
The guy is just big. Not fat, big. You could line him up at tail back or TE if you wanted. I equate the bending and lunging just the same as Andre Johnson when he came out trapping the balls against his body instead of using his hands. The only thing this guy needs is some coaching. Punch, don't grab or lunge. He'll figure it out. And your correct Vinny. He's never seen the kind of speed he will see in the NFL. But the whole point of it is the guy is off the charts as an 330 pound athlete. So much so I believe he'll flourish in the ZBS. When he takes his shirt off at the weigh in....he looks like a taller silver backed Gorilla. Chris White unfairly or not is as big and as Athletic as he's ever going to get. This guy has a chance to be an o-line super star.
Said my say we'll see.
I've seen this guy 3 times now.
Against SD St, Bowling Green and the Sr Bowl.
I'm not quite sure he's first round material, but I think he will be a starter in the NFL. He looks to have the ability and capability to become a good one, too!
Samoans make great linemen.
Ngata,Peko, Steelers OG, etc.
You have to coach them up though.
Ngata,Peko, Steelers OG, etc.
You have to coach them up though.
Vinny
shiny happy fan
They live on an island...yeah, they eat fish. What is this "meat" you speak of? Fish doesn't have enough protein for you? Samoans are generally pretty large people. Roids don't give you a large frame. Per capita, The Samoan islands sends more players to the NFL than any other community.
You equate the bending and lunging to ANDRE WHO? wth?
Todd Wade looks good in shorts too but he bends at the hips instead of the knees and lunges...they look like similar prospects to me.
Honoring Earl 34
Something Witty !
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Iupati has become an emotional prospect on this board, very little substance to evaluations, personal & devoid of logical analysis 
Mike Iupati, LG Utah, 6052 325
Must use reach & power to stun defenders then reset footwork & anchor backside down. Learning to play with dicipline & take advanatage of his athletic gifts. Seems like a project pick, so ask yourself what do you think he will become in three years? I see him remaining @ LG as he learns to control equally large DT's, using size & reach expanding that confined space creating a nice bubble in protection mode or huge hole cut-back lane.
Best fit is a established OL with luxury to develop & groom. Pittsburgh is his ideal fit, Green Bay, Dallas in line. If he slides Detroit is a desperate team needing a LG to help protect Stafford, not ideal situation for him but would benefit Lions organization. I would pass if I where Rick Simth not because of value but from a schematic ZBS profile outlook. Texans like technicians, hard working overachievers who are lower cost options. In our consensus mock (rmartin65 & badboy) we agreed with Mike Johnson (2nd rd.) not an ahtletic freak, more polished LG playing natural position with refined ZBS elements already in place. His anchor needs to be stronger when needed, but his moves off the line & ability seperate from defender second level show a potential road grader in zone scheme who can locate target thus create 2nd level extra spacing.
Mike Iupati, LG Utah, 6052 325
Must use reach & power to stun defenders then reset footwork & anchor backside down. Learning to play with dicipline & take advanatage of his athletic gifts. Seems like a project pick, so ask yourself what do you think he will become in three years? I see him remaining @ LG as he learns to control equally large DT's, using size & reach expanding that confined space creating a nice bubble in protection mode or huge hole cut-back lane.
Best fit is a established OL with luxury to develop & groom. Pittsburgh is his ideal fit, Green Bay, Dallas in line. If he slides Detroit is a desperate team needing a LG to help protect Stafford, not ideal situation for him but would benefit Lions organization. I would pass if I where Rick Simth not because of value but from a schematic ZBS profile outlook. Texans like technicians, hard working overachievers who are lower cost options. In our consensus mock (rmartin65 & badboy) we agreed with Mike Johnson (2nd rd.) not an ahtletic freak, more polished LG playing natural position with refined ZBS elements already in place. His anchor needs to be stronger when needed, but his moves off the line & ability seperate from defender second level show a potential road grader in zone scheme who can locate target thus create 2nd level extra spacing.
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threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
Well they had two tuna canneries on the Island...and then congress raised minimum waged. One cannery has pulled up stakes and the other is teetering on folding. Meat is not an every day item on the menu. And they don't make very much money. Kinda Ironic, they've been involved with the USA for awhile. We're going to spend a billion on Haiti who've basically done nothing for the U.S., and tell the American Samoan people to go screw themselves. Iupati has been over here for a while. But it's going to be really interesting to see what his percentage of body fat is.
I'm equating bending and lunging on not being use to the speed and quickness he saw senior bowl week. Inexperience.... not stiffness is the root of his problems. He had no problems in the Humanitarian bowl. Nor his senior season.
Just as Andre Johnson was more numbers than polished player when he came out, and did not trust his hands, this guy also will need some reps this summer to get use to the speed and quickness of the NFL and to trust his feet. It's not athleticism, it's experience. This guy is not Todd Wade. This guy is a seventy pound larger version of Vonte Leach. He moves like a fullback, not a guard. He runs with grace and power. And he's football smart. He can make adjustments on the fly and find his assignment.
He just might be faster than Vonte. Well see at the end of the month. Just judging by the way he runs down the field, the guy has some serious foot speed. He'll learn the technique to stop the bull rush and not opening the gate on the inside moves. Punch and move your feet ...don't grab and lunge. I think he just may end up being the best player in the class. What I'm seeing a guy who is twenty to thirty five pounds heavier than Russ Grimm and Mathews and moves more gracefully and with more power than either of those two HOFers. He has ten inch hands on thirty four inch arms. He was born with Thor's hammers dangling off his shoulders. And he only needs some one to teach him how to swing those wrecking balls.
And weren't you the guy last year that flat out guaranteed me we were taking Taylor Mays....last draft ? Or was it a running back ?
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threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347930-mel-kipers-20-mock-draft-upon-further-review
20. Mike Iupati OG/OT Idaho.
20. Mike Iupati OG/OT Idaho.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
That would be a nightmare scenario.