What is the first free agent the Rams should target for 2015? Both Randy Karraker and D’Marco Farr strongly believe it should be 49er OG Mike Iupati.
Listen to Karraker/Farr Talk Free Agent Targets
Just thinking a little deeper here on OLG
Michael Iupati.....
Mike will be 28 yrs old when this NFL gets on its way and he is an outstanding run blocker. His pass protection is not any better than Saffold IMO. He does have some wear & tear but nothing close to a Jake Long history by any means. last season Mike was able to finish 14 games only two due to injury. In 2013 Mike was only able to finish 11 games due a broken ankle & Fibula. Other than that he did not miss any game his first 3 seasons.
The injuries are listed bellow and my list is far from being comprehensive though:
Nov. 2014-Right Arm Injury
Oct.2014-Consussion
Jan. 2014- Broken left ankle & left Fibula.
Nov.2013-Grade 3 sprain MCL Left Knee
May.2013-
Shoulder Surgery Left
Early 2008-
Shoulder Surgery Right
It seems to be a on going theme here with Mike that he will be looking for the largest OLG contract in NFL history in early March of FA'cy. Could be. When you read ......
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Iupati
What jumps out is where he has resided at.....the western pacific coast. NFL teams Oakland & San Diego have need for a Left OG's in a bad way. If Oakland looses their all pro center Center Stefen Wisniewski they are in the best shape cap wise to offer Mike that largest contract.
I just do not see the Rams busting their Salary Cap in 2015 when they have so many mega UFA issues coming up in 2016 with a half dozen starters. The Rams most recent big UFA signing was a starting Left OG.