Minnesota Vikings Select Arkansas Offensive Lineman DeMarcus Love

by Christopher Gates on Apr 30, 2011 2:39 PM CDT in 2011 NFL Draft

The Vikings turned their attention to the offensive line with the first of their four sixth round picks, as they selected offensive lineman DeMarcus Love out of the University of Arkansas.

Love can generously be described as a "big ol' boy," standing 6'4.5" and weighing in at around 320 pounds, and projects out to be a guard at the NFL level after playing tackle for the Razorbacks.

Love was a three-year starter for the Razorbacks, and has lined up at both tackle positions as well as guard. He was also all-SEC as a senior, which is nice when you consider that the SEC is generally considered to be the toughest conference in college football.

The Vikings now have two of the next four picks, as they select at #170 overall and #172 overall. They will also pick down at #200 for their compensatory selection in the sixth round.

Welcome to Minnesota, DeMarcus Love!

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Really- Second round material?

From FF toolbox,
“DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
Led by a high-powered offense, Arkansas reached the Sugar Bowl and almost pulled off a win over Ohio State. While quarterback Ryan Mallett garnered most of the accolades, Love and the offensive line was a major factor in why Mallett lived up to expectations. Love was the lead blocker for a record-setting Razorback offense that finished fourth in the entire NCAA in passing.Arkansas also ended the season on a streak of nine consecutive 100-yard rushing games, despite the fact that the team does not feature a ground game.

Love was one of the most experienced players in all of college football. He redshirted in 2006, played in eight games and started three as a freshman in 2007, started eight games as a sophomore, and was a full-time starter ever since. The offensive tackle has great size at 6’5’’ and 315 pounds and he has experience at both the right and left tackle positions. For now he is slightly better at run-blocking than pass-blocking, which points to him being a right tackle at least for a while in the NFL. Look for Love to sneak into the second round of the upcoming NFL Draft."

Ponder has no idea how much pressure the fans will put on him. But he will succeed.

by lifelongvike on Apr 30, 2011 3:16 PM CDT reply actions

Then

we got a steal. Wondering if he’ll be backup at LT or RT. I hope LT, so he can learn the position and be ready to take over for McKinnie when the time comes, but I’ll of course bow to the decisions of the coaching staff.

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by KJSegall on Apr 30, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

He'll be a guard for us

His weaknesses…

May not possess the athleticism, feet and balance necessary to line up at left tackle in the NFL. Can be beat by the double move. Needs to improve his ability to block at the second level and pick up moving defenders in space. Must become more consistent locating his targets at the second level.

Almost all of those weaknesses would be negated by a move to RG though. I’d start getting nervous if I was Herrera.

by Cobra312004 on May 1, 2011 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Interesting.

I only saw one series of downs in the Arkansas vs. Ohio game. Mallet got hit on just about every play. I guess the rest of the game went differently, but in that series of downs, Mallet looked like he wasn’t going to make it through the game.

Anyway, if what they say is true, I’m glad to see that we got him.

by kcskol on Apr 30, 2011 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions

wow great pick

mallet was probably the least mobile QB in the draft, and didnt get sacked a whole lot. if this guy is their “lead blocker” I think this guy could make an immediate impact as a guard on our line.

many analysts have been riping our draft, mainly due to the ponder pick. but i think this was a great draft. sure maybe it was possible to move back and still get him but i think the vikings knew other teams were eyeing him and were going to pick him soon (skins, seahawks). i’m glad we ddnt get locker and since i thought ponder was better than locker and locker was picked before him, i have no problem taking him at 12. we got a TE that should be a probowler. ballard could be too someday with the right teaching, and it wont hurt that williams and allen are there to show him the ropes.

by the time ponder is given the reigns i think we will be a great team again!! SKOL VIKES!!

by reebs on May 1, 2011 2:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Don't forget the Zen Master

Karl Dunbar!

by Cobra312004 on May 1, 2011 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions

According to Mocking the draft Demarcus is a guard.

Read it here

Ponder has no idea how much pressure the fans will put on him. But he will succeed.

by lifelongvike on Apr 30, 2011 3:21 PM CDT reply actions

Guard?

I thought he played tackle. Curious.

by KJSegall on Apr 30, 2011 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

He played both tackle spots for Arkansas

And guard. So he’s got some versatility.

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by Christopher Gates on Apr 30, 2011 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, just read the article LLV posted.

Good read, thanks for that. Hmm. Well, I doubt we’re planning on starting him anytime soon, so maybe we could work on that quickness issue if possible and get him ready for tackle in 2-3 years. And if all else fails, as medicine posted below he could be Hutch’s replacement. So overall, good solid pick. Kyle likey.

by KJSegall on Apr 30, 2011 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he will be moved to guard.

We like our tackles above 6’8 so he is too small, haha. I think Fusco and Love at C,RG in a couple years will be nice. it can not be worse then what we have now anyway

by viking_#28 on Apr 30, 2011 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions