Mike Iupati talks with members of the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — Idaho’s Mike Iupati is the top-rated guard at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his ability to also play tackle could pay off big-time.

“That’s where the money is,” Iupati said Thursday with a laugh.

Iupati hasn’t played tackle in a live game, but he has enlisted Hall of Fame LT Jackie Slater to help him learn the position and also fine-tune his guard play. Iupati said they meet four or five days per week in Irvine, Calif., to work on fundamentals.

“Whatever team picks me, whatever position I play, I will give 110 percent,” Iupati said.

Iupati has the size (6-foot-5, 331 pounds) and reach (over 34 inches) to play tackle in the NFL, and he worked at the position during Senior Bowl practice last month. However, Iupati said he was encouraged to remain versatile so he would appeal to more teams.

– Justin Hathaway

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