Steelers meet with big lineman at Senior Bowl

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers meet with big lineman at Senior Bowl
January 27, 9:04 AMPittsburgh Sports Examiner
Matt Pawlikowski
http://www.examiner.com/x-2703-Pitts...at-Senior-Bowl

The Senior Bowl preparations are under way, and players are trying to make their impressions on NFL coaches, including the Steelers.

"Practice was a little bit better today, certainly compared to yesterday," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. " I thought we had a good day out there and got better in certain areas. Guys are excited about it and that's all we can ask right now. They are doing a nice job with the installation [of the game plan] and have gotten better each day,"

Already, according to two sources at the bowl, the Steelers have held meetings with two players. The first being Idaho guard Mike Iupati.

The 6-5, 325 pound Iupati earned consensus All-American honors this season after being named to the first team by the Associated Press, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.

An Outland Trophy finalist and first team All-WAC selection, Iupati helped the Vandals claim just the second bowl victory in program history—a 43-42 win over Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl. He didn’t allow a single sack all season and graded out at 90 percent or better in all 13 games.

The team also met with Michigan State kicker Brett Swenson. The 5-7 kicker,is MSU’S all time leader in field goals (70) points scored (370) and extra points. He is also known for kicking it deep into the endzone.

Swenson has kicked in poor weather environments, and considering his accuracy if the Steelers decide to bring him in, the status of Jeff Reed could be in question.

More coming as the week progresses.

[steelreserve]

Now, I wonder just how many people thought this thread was going to be about Terrance Cody?

[Psyychoward86]

Im liking these kids. If Jeff gets released, this Swenson guy seems like exactly the type of guy that we want. Kicks like a gem in crappy conditions and great on kickoffs. I gotta give the two a thumbs up for our possible draft scenarios.

[steelerdave1969]

I love the big OG Mike Iupati from Idaho. He is a beast and they, the coaches at the Senior Bowl are also working him some at OT. Seems to me like he is better suited for G but with some work and he could be good to go. I think he could play G his first couple years and maybe take Max Starks place in about 3 years at LOT. As far as a Kicker, I hope we can keep what we got, we know Reed can kick at Heinz Field and this other guy we dont know how he will perform with the way the winds are in that stadium.

[Merchant]

I've heard about this guard. Lot of good reviews so far. But I don't think guard is one of our primary concerns and I doubt he would fall to the rounds where we would be addressing that position.

[supa_fly_steeler]

i dont want this guard. i want earl thomas i'll keep on saying it until we draft either one and then soon get over my frustration after the draft

[devilsdancefloor]

the big man who signs checks wants to run the ball more effectively so we go Oliner in the first. Unless mcclain or thomas are there.

[Northside Jonny]

Originally Posted by devilsdancefloor

the big man who signs checks wants to run the ball more effectively so we go Oliner in the first. Unless mcclain or thomas are there.

It makes good sense! I sure hope if Thomas is there we get him instead. Guess this means unless he (thomas) knocks their socks off at the combine steelers FO ain't movin anywhere. Bright side Iupati is a definate upgrade!

[Shoes]

I'm sure Ben and Mendy would like this out in front of them.

[MasterOfPuppets]

i want iupati.....people smirked at me here for suggesting a guard in the first round a few weeks ago. ...this guy would go a long way in fixing the 3rd and short problems they've had for the last few years ...