Jets workout OG Mike Iupati

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets have worked out top Guard Mike Iupati.

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National Football Post is reporting.. Iupati (6-5, 331) Idaho, is considered the best Guard in the draft by many.

The young lineman wowed scouts and coaches at the Senior Bowl and Combine, and is projected to be a top 20 pick.

While there

[Thai Jet]

We desperately need OL depth. Once our OL starts going downhill it will be a stampede IMO. Same as with our DE's. We have no quality depth. Only having 2-3 draft choices in prior years will do that.

[Kentucky Jet]

We desperately need OL depth. Once our OL starts going downhill it will be a stampede IMO. Same as with our DE's. We have no quality depth. Only having 2-3 draft choices in prior years will do that.

TJ Iaupati is not merely reserve type of player. He is a quality OLman. Many label him as a can't miss or close to it player. He is fearsome in the run game and can pass protect. He can play OG or RT. He is a natural OG. If he is there at 29, he could be the BAP. We do have a need. Faneca is getting older and his pass protection is not all thatit should be. Let him mentor Iau[ati for a year and then : lights out! This is such a deep draft regarding DL/OLB pass rushers. Possibly we could move up in rd 2 and snag a quality pass rusher. We'd be off to a great start in this years draft. GO JETS!

[aec4]

You do not draft an OL in round 1 and then sit him on the bench.

[CoachTsurfing]

You do not draft an OL in round 1 and then sit him on the bench.

I'd love to get some more depth also, we're one rolled ankle away from not having a solid o line. Last year none of our line went down. That is rare. I want an impact player also with our first pick, but if that guy slides down to us we better take him.

[NIGHT STALKER]

You do not draft an OL in round 1 and then sit him on the bench.

I think you do if your team is considered having one of the best O lines in the league. Not a sexy pick, but you have to plan for the future if you want to continue building.

[Kentucky Jet]

Offensive Guard | Idaho | SR Mike Iupati

Height: 6-5⅛ | Weight: 331 | 40-Time: 5.30

Official Bio

Strengths:

Excellent height and bulk --- Huge frame with long arms --- Outstanding strength --- Physical and aggressive --- Superb athlete with good quickness and agility --- Mobile with great range --- Dominant once locked on --- Uses his hands well --- Explosive with a violent initial punch --- Stout at the point of attack --- Gets a terrific push in the run game --- Appears to be a natural knee bender --- Wide base and nice balance --- Has a mean streak and finishes his blocks --- Solid instincts and awareness --- Intense and Competitive --- Hard Worker --- Team Leader --- Offers positional versatility --- Still has considerable upside.

Weaknesses:

Is still raw and learning the game --- Footwork and technique will need refinement --- Feet aren't overly nimble --- Concentration will lapse at times --- Has some trouble in space --- Gets caught reaching --- Minor communication issues --- Did not always play against elite competition.

Notes:

Last name is pronounced "EYE-u-pah-tee" --- Was a three-year starter and a team captain for the Vandals --- A consensus 1st Team All-American in 2009 --- Named 2nd Team All-WAC in 2008 and 1st Team in 2009 --- Played both guard and tackle in college and could project to either position at the next level --- Younger brother, Andrew, plays defensive tackle for the Oregon Ducks --- Didn't begin playing football until he moved to California from American Samoa when he was 14-years-old --- English is his second language, which led to some academic problems and him being lightly recruited by major programs out of high school --- Sat out the 2005 season while getting his grades in order --- Missed some time with a shoulder injury in 2008, which eventually required off-season surgery --- Didn't allow a single sack as a senior --- Fantastic blocker with a rare blend of size and athleticism who hasn't yet reached his full potential --- Legitimate 1st Round talent

[CoachTsurfing]

I think you do if your team is considered having one of the best O lines in the league. Not a sexy pick, but you have to plan for the future if you want to continue building.

Agreed, but do our needs exceed the luxury of taking up a back-up player for the moment? If we could get a starting DE that that racks up 6-10 sacks you take him, if not I got no problem taking him.

[aec4]

I'd love to get some more depth also, we're one rolled ankle away from not having a solid o line. Last year none of our line went down. That is rare. I want an impact player also with our first pick, but if that guy slides down to us we better take him.

If we take him, we have to consider other moves (moving Faneca?) to get impact at other positions. I'm not saying I want this, so don't get me wrong, but we can't draft a guy with the intention of making him a backup in round 1.

[slats]

The majority of these predraft visits are smokescreens, and a lot of them are taking a closer look at a player you think your rivals might take.

Tannenbaum is doing what he does every year - putting himself in BAP position come draft time. But you still have to weigh your needs in there. For the Jets to select an OG in the first round, he'd really have to be head & shoulders above every DE, WR, & CB prospect. Jets obviously have first rate starters on the OL, and they like their reserves a lot, too.

If you want to believe this, you can use the Lisa B article discussing the Jets trading Faneca, or him possibly retiring. Or you can look at how they tried, and failed, to upgrade Moore last year. But I, for one, would be very surprised if Iupati was the pick.

[NIGHT STALKER]

The majority of these predraft visits are smokescreens, and a lot of them are taking a closer look at a player you think your rivals might take.

Tannenbaum is doing what he does every year - putting himself in BAP position come draft time. But you still have to weigh your needs in there. For the Jets to select an OG in the first round, he'd really have to be head & shoulders above every DE, WR, & CB prospect. Jets obviously have first rate starters on the OL, and they like their reserves a lot, too.

If you want to believe this, you can use the Lisa B article discussing the Jets trading Faneca, or him possibly retiring. Or you can look at how they tried, and failed, to upgrade Moore last year. But I, for one, would be very surprised if Iupati was the pick.

Hey Slats, were your surprised with the Gholston pick? Nothing surprises me on draft day with this team.

[slats]

Hey Slats, were your surprised with the Gholston pick? Nothing surprises me on draft day with this team.

No. Unfortunately, he looked like the best prospect on the board at that time.

I was a little surprised last year when he made the jump up to #5 for Sanchez. I also didn't expect him to make the bold move for a RB. But I think for the most part, the guy's been fairly predictable. There's a clear logic to most of his moves - even Gholston.

Yeah, I'd be out & out surprised by OL in round one this year.

[Biggs]

The Jets two best offensive weapons are a young QB and a young running back. It makes perfect sense to make sure they have a deep and talented OL in front of them for years. This guy sounds like he could start inside and back up Faneca and Woody and replace Moore if needed. Not a bad option.

[SenorGato]

Best G prospect since Davin Joseph...or to get more dramatic, Steve Hutchinson.

[dbatesman]

This is the guy who holds on every play, right?

[aec4]

The Jets two best offensive weapons are a young QB and a young running back. It makes perfect sense to make sure they have a deep and talented OL in front of them for years. This guy sounds like he could start inside and back up Faneca and Woody and replace Moore if needed. Not a bad option.

In today's NFL, it does not make sense to guarantee 8-12 M for a backup unless it's a QB, and even that's questionable.

[Biggs]

In today's NFL, it does not make sense to guarantee 8-12 M for a backup unless it's a QB, and even that's questionable.

It's an uncapped year and Faneca and/or Woody or both will be gone in another year. SB are won by great OL. If this guy drops to us it's almost a given. The question is do we move up for him? I don't think so.

[aec4]

It's an uncapped year and Faneca and/or Woody or both will be gone in another year. SB are won by great OL. If this guy drops to us it's almost a given. The question is do we move up for him? I don't think so.

There is going to be a cap eventually.. if you sign a rookie for 5 yrs, he's going to be subject to the cap at one point.

I don't think it's a given to pick an OL in round 1.

[Biggs]

There is going to be a cap eventually.. if you sign a rookie for 5 yrs, he's going to be subject to the cap at one point.

I don't think it's a given to pick an OL in round 1.

He will be subject to the cap but Faneca and/or Woody will likely be done after this year and he will be starting at either RT or LG.

I think if he falls to us at 29 he probably will be the BAP on the board for us.

I like drafting OL and DL who can start. The point of attack is critical to a football team and there are always injuries on the lines.

[aec4]

He will be subject to the cap but Faneca and/or Woody will likely be done after this year and he will be starting at either RT or LG.

I think if he falls to us at 29 he probably will be the BAP on the board for us.

I'll pass unless we know we're moving one of our current OL or they are retiring. I can't see another 8 digit signing bonus sitting on the bench.

[Biggs]

I'll pass unless we know we're moving one of our current OL or they are retiring. I can't see another 8 digit signing bonus sitting on the bench.

Who do you think we are getting at 29 who is a sure thing to break into our starting lineup? We weren't even able to do that at 6 two years ago.

[aec4]

Who do you think we are getting at 29 who is a sure thing to break into our starting lineup? We weren't even able to do that at 6 two years ago.

Well I thought picking Gholston back then was moronic because he was a project.

This team is on the verge of winning, on 2010. We can't draft backups in round 1. If we think he's going to play, in 2010, then fine, take him. Otherwise, trade back. Draft someone who will contribute in 2010. Even if they are part of a rotation..... If you're going to tell me this guy can challenge Woody at RT or Moore at RG, and will PLAY, do it... if it's known before you take him he's going to sit on the bench, then you can't do it.

[Biggs]

Well I thought picking Gholston back then was moronic because he was a project.

This team is on the verge of winning, on 2010. We can't draft backups in round 1. If we think he's going to play, in 2010, then fine, take him. Otherwise, trade back. Draft someone who will contribute in 2010. Even if they are part of a rotation..... If you're going to tell me this guy can challenge Woody at RT or Moore at RG, and will PLAY, do it... if it's known before you take him he's going to sit on the bench, then you can't do it.

Good reasoned response I don't disagree but I love OL and DL picks and those picks are usually not great immediate contributors.

I wouldn't mind trading down as you suggest but Tannenbaum usually trades up to go for something special. I don't see to many spots on our team that a rookie late 1st round pick steps in and starts right away. I think we need to use this draft for depth this year and the future and should go BAP. Both lines are thin and scare me more than any of the so called skill positions.

[flgreen]

If this guy falls to 29 he will be a Jet.

If he falls to the mid 20

[slats]

I don't see to many spots on our team that a rookie late 1st round pick steps in and starts right away. I think we need to use this draft for depth this year and the future and should go BAP. Both lines are thin and scare me more than any of the so called skill positions.

The only starting spot I see is the DE opposite of Ellis. If they're targeting a position, I'd think that would be it.

WR is the scariest position on the roster to me. Turner & Slauson > Smith & Clowney by a lot, IMHO. Finding a #3 CB there wouldn't be bad either. I get that your a trenches guy, but I just don't see OL in the first unless the guy's significantly better than the top DE, WR, & CB prospects on the board.

[Biggs]

The only starting spot I see is the DE opposite of Ellis. If they're targeting a position, I'd think that would be it.

WR is the scariest position on the roster to me. Turner & Slauson > Smith & Clowney by a lot, IMHO. Finding a #3 CB there wouldn't be bad either. I get that your a trenches guy, but I just don't see OL in the first unless the guy's significantly better than the top DE, WR, & CB prospects on the board.

DE is clearly a position of need. WR and running back are thin but don't have to be taken in the first round since we need depth and a slot guy not a starting wide out. OL is always a position of need and it's hard to see if he's there at 29 that he isn't the best player out there.

We have a huge amount of money tied up in CB right now. A top safety yes but I don't see us drafting a CB at 1 unless again BAP. This will not be a position drafted for need if it's between a DE, OL and a CB.

[SenorGato]

Well I thought picking Gholston back then was moronic because he was a project.

This team is on the verge of winning, on 2010. We can't draft backups in round 1. If we think he's going to play, in 2010, then fine, take him. Otherwise, trade back. Draft someone who will contribute in 2010. Even if they are part of a rotation..... If you're going to tell me this guy can challenge Woody at RT or Moore at RG, and will PLAY, do it... if it's known before you take him he's going to sit on the bench, then you can't do it.

I can almost guarantee you that NO ONE we draft with our first in 2010 will be an immediate starter.

If Iupati is there at 29 and there's no someone obviously better, then he's the lock to be BPA at 29. We'd be pretty stupid to not take him, or get something really nice from someone desperate for a potentially dominant interior OL.

[slats]

DE is clearly a position of need. WR and running back are thin but don't have to be taken in the first round since we need depth and a slot guy not a starting wide out. OL is always a position of need and it's hard to see if he's there at 29 that he isn't the best player out there.

We have a huge amount of money tied up in CB right now. A top safety yes but I don't see us drafting a CB at 1 unless again BAP. This will not be a position drafted for need if it's between a DE, OL and a CB.

A 3rd WR will probably see the field as much or as more as a 6th OL.

We really don't have a lot of money tied up at CB. Cromartie's playing for the balance of his rookie deal.

Both Cromartie and Braylon Edwards are under contract for just one year, and I think they're both on trials with the Jets. Neither is guaranteed to be here beyond next season. Be good to have top prospects in place. WR, especially, often takes a couple years to develop.

If the Jets were to have an injury to one of their OL, you have Turner and Slauson ready to step in and fill the void. I would not expect too much of a drop off. The same cannot be said if Revis or Cotchery were to get hurt. Which would you rather see? Turner starting four games? Or Lowery or Clowney starting four games? The effect there cascades, as you'd now have Brad Smith as your 3rd WR, or Drew Coleman as your nickel. See what I'm saying here?

OL can be developed, and I'd expect them to take one later in the draft. First round would really surprise me. Like I said, I understand that you're a trenches guy, but the OL is probably the least of their worries.

[SenorGato]

A 3rd WR will probably see the field as much or as more as a 6th OL.

We really don't have a lot of money tied up at CB. Cromartie's playing for the balance of his rookie deal.

Both Cromartie and Braylon Edwards are under contract for just one year, and I think their both on trials with the Jets. Neither is guaranteed to be here beyond next season. Be good to have top prospects in place. WR, especially, often takes a couple years to develop.

If the Jets were to have an injury to one of their OL, you have Turner and Slauson ready to step in and fill the void. I would not expect too much of a drop off. The same cannot be said if Revis or Cotchery were to get hurt. Which would you rather see? Turner starting four games? Or Lowery or Clowney starting four games? The effect there cascades, as you'd now have Brad Smith as your 3rd WR, or Drew Coleman as your nickel. See what I'm saying here?

OL can be developed, and I'd expect them to take one later in the draft. First round would really surprise me. Like I said, I understand that you're a trenches guy, but the OL is probably the least of their worries.

The end argument in all this is that unless we're getting Bryant, Haden, Cody/Williams/Suh/McCoy....then we're not getting the BPA at any of those positions...and Iupati, IMO one of the 15 or so best players in this draft regardless of position, then becomes the BPA.

No way Tate or Benn or whoever are a better WR prospect than Iupati is a G prospect...same for Kareem Jackson or whoever the #2 CB is...same for Odrick as a 3-4 DL over Iupati as a G....

***** developing OL...you take top talent where you can. We haven't had an OL injury in 2 years, but our LG and RT are clearly in the decline phases of their career. At least at WR and CB we're young...DL also has to be addressed.

[dbatesman]

The end argument in all this is that unless we're getting Bryant, Haden, Cody/Williams/Suh/McCoy....then we're not getting the BPA at any of those positions...and Iupati, IMO one of the 15 or so best players in this draft regardless of position, then becomes the BPA.

No way Tate or Benn or whoever are a better WR prospect than Iupati is a G prospect...same for Kareem Jackson or whoever the #2 CB is...same for Odrick as a 3-4 DL over Iupati as a G....

***** developing OL...you take top talent where you can. We haven't had an OL injury in 2 years, but our LG and RT are clearly in the decline phases of their career. At least at WR and CB we're young...DL also has to be addressed.

I can't see how we'd stay at 29 if Bryant, Tate, Haden, Cody, Williams, Suh, and McCoy won't be there, even if Iupati will. You'd have to think we'd either trade up or down.

[KINGDIRK]

DRAFT THIS BEAST...

[T0mShane]

Faneca and Woody are both guys who need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Unless you're a big believer in Robert Turner, it might not be a bad time to start bringing guys onto the roster to groom as replacements so as not to be caught with their pants down in either player goes down or out.

[flgreen]

A 3rd WR will probably see the field as much or as more as a 6th OL.

If the Jets were to have an injury to one of their OL, you have Turner and Slauson ready to step in and fill the void. I would not expect too much of a drop off. The same cannot be said if Revis or Cotchery were to get hurt. Which would you rather see? Turner starting four games? Or Lowery or Clowney starting four games? The effect there cascades, as you'd now have Brad Smith as your 3rd WR, or Drew Coleman as your nickel. See what I'm saying here?

OL can be developed, and I'd expect them to take one later in the draft. First round would really surprise me. Like I said, I understand that you're a trenches guy, but the OL is probably the least of their worries.

Not arguing with you Slats, but what makes you think that Turner and Slauson are ready to step in without a drop off? Remember Clarke? Slauson has done nothing.

Turner has done a bit more, but nothing to indicate he can start.

　

The second point. That the OL can be developed with players taken later in the draft.

If I

[aec4]

I can almost guarantee you that NO ONE we draft with our first in 2010 will be an immediate starter.

If Iupati is there at 29 and there's no someone obviously better, then he's the lock to be BPA at 29. We'd be pretty stupid to not take him, or get something really nice from someone desperate for a potentially dominant interior OL.

If we draft a corner, he'll be our nickel guy. Nickel guy in my eyes is a starter.

If we draft a WR, he'll be #3.... and play a LOT

If we draft an OL, without another roster move, he'll come in sparingly barring injury.

[slats]

The second point. That the OL can be developed with players taken later in the draft.

If I