DeMarcus Love predraft analysis

The predraft analysis, stats and projections for the Vikings' first pick in the sixth round.

DeMarcus Love, Arkansas, 6-4¾, 318 – Fifth-year senior…Became a full-time starter early in his sophomore season and started 37 of 45 career games…Had knee and ankle injuries early in his career that kept him sidelined and slowed his progression as a player…Quick out of his stance on the snap and attacks defenders…Very good wingspan and upper-body strength…Uses quickness to control pass rushers effectively – protected Ryan Mallett’s blindside…Brings flexibility of playing both guard and tackle…Has good, consistent fundamentals and solid technique…Two-time team captain…May have been hurt by system that would have him flop from left tackle to right tackle multiple times during a game…Has underdeveloped lower body and will struggle against big bull-rush types…Isn’t a fiery blocker in the run game and will stop his feet too often after contact…Doesn’t look comfortable trying to block in space at the second level…Lunges and ends up on the ground a lot…Ran a 5.18 40 at the Combine with 27 reps, a 26½-inch vertical jump and 8-1 broad jump.

PROJECTION: An experienced, versatile player, he may end up like a poor man’s Phil Loadholt, a player with left tackle experience that doesn’t translate to the NFL. Will likely have to be a right tackle and improve his lower-body anchor strength. That should drop him into Day 3.

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John Holler has been writing about the Vikings for more than a decade for Viking Update. Follow Viking Update on Twitter and discuss this topic on our message boards. To become a subscriber to the Viking Update web site or magazine, click here.

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