Mike Iupati is intriguing, but how much will Seahawks get out of him?

Jun 26, 2019, 9:25 AM | Updated: 1:01 pm

Former Cardinals and 49ers G Mike Iupati signed with the Seahawks this offseason. (AP)

(AP)

Seattle Sports

The Seahawks kick off training camp on July 25, and until then, Brock Huard and Mike Salk will count down the top 25 most intriguing Seahawks every weekday at 8:30 a.m. Their list continues with No. 19: Left guard Mike Iupati.

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Quick Look

• Originally drafted 17th overall in 2010 by the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks will be the third NFC West team Iupati has played for.
• A four-time Pro Bowler (2012-15)
• Ended his final two seasons (2017-18) with Arizona on the injured reserve with a triceps and MCL injuries, respectively.
• Has experience with Seahawks O-line coach Mike Solari, who oversaw Iupati with the 49ers from 2010-14.
• Suffered a minor foot injury in Seahawks’ minicamp, but is expected to participate in training camp.

What Brock Huard is saying

“He is a physical dude. Pete Carroll wanted physical, big guys who could move people off the ball. Unfortunately for the Seahawks they didn’t get him early in his career when he was a first-round pick. They’re getting him near the very very end of his career. When Mike Iupati became a free agent, he probably had legitimately 15 teams that called his agent, and Mike could’ve handpicked any one of those… and there was no question this was the best fit for him. The scheme fit, the offensive line coach fit, the organizational fit of taking care of their veteran guys. I think it checked every single box, and it was why the Seahawks did not have to wait very long to fill the hole vacated by J.R. Sweezy…

“Are the Seahawks going to be a better run team this year? Yes. Will they be markedly better? If D.J. Fluker and Mike Iupati can play 12 games each, yes they will. And that’s why he’s intriguing to me. Because how much are you going to get out of him?”

Why is he on this list?

“I always felt like he was supposed to be a Seahawk,” Mike Salk said. “When he was coming out in the draft, we spent a lot of time talking about him as a potential pick for the Seahawks and he ended up going to San Francisco. Then he goes to Arizona and you’re still seeing him twice a year and that name just keeps coming up. And it wasn’t a surprise that Mike Iupati ended up being the guy to replace Sweezy. They’ve always wanted Mike Iupati, it’s just they finally had their opportunity to get him. Here’s my question: Is he an upgrade over J.R. Sweezy? He’s bigger. But is he an actual upgrade?”

What the Seahawks are saying

“Mike’s the guy that jumped off the film to me (at minicamp),” Pete Carroll said. “First time we had a chance to see him come off the ball and see his feet and how he moves. Mike’s a big man; he’s 345 pounds and carries it well. And always has been a guy that we’ve respected tremendously for the toughness. I didn’t appreciate it ’till I saw him with our guys. He’s going to fit in beautifully for us… we just got a little bit bigger and tougher and I’m thrilled he’s here. He’s off to a great start. We’ve got to take care of him… and make sure he’s healthy for the season and all that, and away we go.”

“I’m so happy we got (Mike Iupati),” left tackle Duane Brown said. “I’ve been a big fan of his throughout the years, watching him play in San Francisco and Arizona. Our line has a chance to be the best in the league, I think. If we keep everyone healthy, with the talent that we have and the mixture of youth and experience we have, we have a chance to really be great. And Mike has been a great addition for us.”