Vikings Draft Targets 2012: Guard Senio Kelemete

All the talk this offseason has been about the tackle position but the Vikings are also in the market for inside offensive line talent. One guard prospect currently getting attention from the Vikings is Senio Kelemete of Washington. Kelemete played both tackle and guard for the Huskies but his size and body type will limit him to playing inside in the NFL. Kelemete played at 285 his senior season but according to DraftInsider.net he’s bulked up to 305 thanks to a pre-draft weight training regimen. CBSSports.com says this of Kelemete:

"Versatile player who has started at a high level outside and inside for Washington. Good initial quickness to seal defenders from the action. Powerful hands which he uses well to get an initial jolt to the defender. Flashes some nastiness to his play and seems to enjoy the physicality of the trenches. Isn’t satisfied with just blocking one man; will peel back and look for defenders pursuing from the backside, as well. Good lateral agility and balance to mirror the defender when protected, though he does not have the length or agility to remain at left tackle against NFL speed. Possesses light feet and the ability to get out and block at the second level. Was occasionally asked to pull from left tackle and serve as Chris Polk’s lead blocker, showing very good agility and physicality when meeting linebackers in the hole. Two-time team captain."

The scouting reports suggest Kelemete would be best suited to left guard. The Vikings figure to start Charlie Johnson at left guard this year (assuming they add Matt Kalil at left tackle; not a safe assumption at this point according to Adam Schefter), meaning Kelemete would be able to sit for at least a year and work on strength and technique. The thing I like about him is that, despite his less-than-massive size, he is not shy about mixing it up physically. Remember last year when Leslie Frazier complained so much about lack of physicality on his offensive line? Seems the Vikings are specifically targeting guys both in the draft and free agency who will remedy this. Geoff Schwartz certainly fits this description, and at 6-6/330 Schwartz has the size to go with the mauling mentality. Kelemete would also seem to fit the profile even though he’s “only” 6-3/305. For the record, Kelemete is also considered a high character guy. He currently projects as a 4th or 5th rounder and we know the Vikings have a ton of fourth round picks, so this is one guy to really look out for.

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