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Senio Kelemete, NFL Draft 2012: Husky OL With Experience On Both Sides of the Ball

University of Washington offensive lineman Senio Kelemete is a very solid offensive tackle considering he's only been playing on the OL since 2009; prior to that he played defensive tackle before making the switch. At 6'4", 301 lbs and lacking the elite footspeed you like to see from offensive tackle prospects, Kelemete will be asked to move inside at the next level, likely as a left guard. LG seems to be the spot teams stick players at on the OL when they don't really know what to do with them. Obviously you want your tackles to be elite pass blockers, and your RG to become one of the cornerstones of your running game, but the LG is often used to mask the deficiencies of your center, or to assist the LT when facing elite pass rushers.

As often as Todd McClure was injured in 2011 it's easy to see why a strong LG would appeal to the Falcons. The interior line struggled greatly in McClure's absence, and Matt Ryan isn't a QB who plays to his full potential in a dirty pocket. Given that Kelemete would likely be available in the 3rd round (or even the 5th if the draft falls right) he could fulfill the dire need on the interior of the OL.

The main issue with Kelemete continues to be his lack of experience at the position, something Matthew Fairbrun of 'Mocking the Draft' brings up in his scouting report:

Senio Kelemete is best fit for guard in the NFL, but he has the skill set to be a starter within a few years. His mean streak jumps out right away when watching tape, and he really is a natural athlete. He is just incredibly raw at this stage in his career.

Admittedly it's a hard sell for a team to spend a possible 3rd round pick who may not be ready to start for a few years, but if the Falcons believe he's the kind of player who could solidify their interior OL for the next 5-8 years he could definitely be worth the wait.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.