Bengals Draft Depot

The Bengals have not resigned Bobbie Williams as of this report. Even when/if they get him resigned depth at Guard is still needed, Williams is 34 years old and on the last leg of his career. On the other side the Bengals used a 2 man rotation between Mathis and Livings. I think they'd like to find an upgrade on that side that can play every down and someone to take over for Williams when he retires. Guards usually aren't taken in the first round, but Mike Iupati is an elite talent. No other player in this draft is as dominant over his respective position as Iupati is over the rest of the Guards.

Mike Iupati is massive. For his size he can move very well, he can move well regardless of size. He is very fluid getting out of his stance and into a blocking position. In the run game he is dominant, firing off the ball quickly and driving defenders back. Once he gets locked on to defenders it's over for them and alot of the time they end up on their back. He is excellent at pulling which is unfair, people his size should not be able to pull as well as he does. Is very good at getting to the 2nd level when asked to. Is also very good when out in front as a lead blocker. Some think he's not that great of a pass blocker which is untrue. I think because he's such a dominant run blocker that his pass blocking gets overlooked. He gets into position very quick out of his stance. He has a good initial punch. Is excellent diagnosing where the blitz is coming from before the snap. Also he is very good at picking up DE's that come on an inside move. Once he gets engaged in pass blocking the defender has no chance. Has good lateral quickness for his size.

The negatives on Iupati are that he's still a little raw and will need some work on his footwork. He sometimes struggles when in space. Also when pass blocking he sometimes gets caught lunging at defenders. He needs a little bit of work using his hands.

Iupati has pro bowl guard written all over him. He's one of the safer picks in this draft and will be able to come into the NFL and make an immediate impact. He has the quickness to move to tackle, but leaving him where he dominates would be the smart move. There hasn't been a prospect this good at Guard in a long time. Would be a good pick for the Bengals if they choose to go hat route. Like I've said before, a 1st round pick on either line is always a good thing. You can never have too much depth on the line on either side of the ball. Iupati would be a good fit in the Bengals run first philosophy, and would also be a good fit in the smashmouth AFC North.