Washington Redskins’ Free Agency: Is Mike Iupati a possibility?
By Andrew Long
Earlier this week, I stated that the Redskins should focus on building their offensive line through the NFL Draft. But with multiple holes along their o-line, the team will likely have to add players through free agency, too. As of now, there are a number of veteran guards scheduled to be free agents. A good number of those players are upwards of 30 and wouldn’t serve as long-term solutions, though. The team needs an experienced player that isn’t over-the-hill; the Washington Redskins’ free agency period should include a visit with Mike Iupati.
Iupati, 27, is hitting free agency at a great time in his career. Having been named to three straight Pro Bowls, he possesses the skill set and experience that teams desire. Those factors coupled with his natural size and strength make Iupati an extremely desirable player for teams looking to add a guard this offseason.
Coming in at 6-5, 331 pounds, Iupati is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. Over the last three seasons, he has played a major role in the success of San Francisco’s run-game — which has ranked in the Top 5 of the league in each of the last three seasons. Iupati plays the position with a good mixture of speed and strength.
The clip below is a good example of Iupati’s power and athleticism.
While the clip above is a few years old, it does a good job of displaying the skills that Iupati possesses. It shows off his athleticism and his ability to pull, which is extremely important for a guard. Being able to pull and provide a lead-blocker for runners is essential when you’re trying to move the ball on the ground. Iupati excels in this area, as he is one of the better run-blockers in the NFL.
I believe that his three consecutive Pro Bowl nods directly correlate with his success as a run-blocker for San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong; Iupati is more than capable as a pass-blocker. He’s probably better in pass-protection than most guards in the NFL, but his greatest strength is still as a run-blocker.
In the video below, you’ll see Iupati demonstrate his ability as a blocker in the read-option scheme — something that may or may not be a part of the Redskins’ offensive attack in 2015.
It remains unknown who will be under center for Washington in 2015, but the offense might involve the read-option if Robert Griffin III is named the starter. If RG3 does win the job and the read-option is worked back into the playbook, Washington will need a strong, athletic guard to depend on. In my opinion, Iupati would be a good guy for the job.
Iupati’s physical tools and high motor would make him a major upgrade over Washington’s current left guard, Shawn Lauvao. The Redskins would instantly benefit from the strength and toughness that Iupati brings to the table. With that being said, Iupati is likely to come with a hefty price tag attached to him.
In an introductory interview on Redskins Nation, Washington’s newly hired GM, Scot McCloughan, stressed the importance of building through the draft. He stated, “That’s the life-line, cause you can dabble in free agency all you want, it’s going to come back and bite you sooner or later because you’re dealing with age. You always overpay in free agency.”
Given the history the Redskins have with overpaying for free agents and McCloughan’s home grown approach, it seems like Iupati would only make sense for Washington at the right price. Iupati landing in D.C. isn’t impossible, just very improbable.