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Here at Niners Nation, we're presenting a series called "90-in-90". We'll be looking at every player on the 49ers offseason roster, one player per post, from now until the start of training camp.
If there's anyone who will most certainly but cut this off-season, it's Mike Iupati. He's probably the most horrible player on the entire team, and it's easy to see why. He's not nice to players from the other team. He throws them on the ground, he punches them in the chest, and sometimes he even lays on top of them with all of his 330 lbs. of weight. Speaking of which, he's not very thin, either.
Clearly those who voted him to the Pro Bowl in 2012 were high on something they received from Amanda Bynes. I think someone at Pro Football Focus let Titus Young rank the offensive guards this year, too, because they have Iupati fifth in the NFL and a starter on their All NFC West Team.
In all seriousness, Iupati is the nasty, mauling, make-a-rag-doll-outta-you type of lineman we all hoped he'd be after seeing him dominate opponents at the collegiate level. He's quiet, doesn't get into trouble, just goes out and crushes fools so Frank Gore and Co. can burst through the hole for big yardage.
Why he could improve in 2013
Just about the only thing I could see from Big Mike in terms of improvement would be to cut down on his 10 penalties and perhaps another All Pro selection. Ok, he could work on his pass blocking a little bit, too, but that has always been his "weakness". If the team can get to the Super Bowl with how he played last year, even a little improvement would go a long way. Iupati's still young, so I expect him to show signs of further development after another year in the system alongside his teammates.
Why he could regress in 2013
I don't see this happening unless he's nicked-up with injuries or there is some monumental development in how defenses attack the O-Line. Iupati isn't the type to get complacent or cocky and he tasted a Super Bowl in 2012. From where he came I doubt he'll stop until he's on top of the mountain as the best guard in the NFL.
Odds of making the roster
It's going to be an up-hill battle.....for whomever has to face Iupati. Whichever direction the opposition is facing the field will seemingly tilt in Iupati's favor as he pushes dudes around the yard. Not only will he make the squad, but he's about to get P.A.I.D. money, too.