Post by Guvmintcheeze on Jul 30, 2015 6:55:11 GMT
Atlanta Falcons add Demarcus Love for depth at offensive tackle
The Atlanta Falcons added another body for depth at offensive tackle -- signing Demarcus Love to a two-year, minimum-salary contract.
Love, out of Arkansas, last played for the Denver Broncos. He started his career as a sixth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2011. He also had stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints.
The addition of Love brings the Falcons' roster to 90. The 6-foot-4-inch, 334-pound Love continues to work his way into playing shape. He hopes to slim down to 322 pounds by the start of the season, provided he makes the roster.
Depth along the offensive line is an obvious concern for the Falcons going into training camp, which starts Friday. Starting left tackle Jake Matthews is coming off foot surgery to repair a Lisfranc ligament tear, while backup Lamar Holmes could start camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) after suffering a broken foot during minicamp. Projected starting right tackle Ryan Schraeder, veteran Tyler Polumbus, and rookies Jake Rodgers and Matt Huffer are the other tackles on the roster.
The Falcons worked out former first-overall pick Jake Long on Tuesday, but Long left town without signing a contract. He visited the New York Giants Wednesday and reportedly was headed to Denver next. Based on his injury history with two right ACL tears, Long probably wouldn't have been an ideal fit in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone blocking scheme, which emphasizes good lateral movement for the offensive linemen.
Love apparently has the ability to get out and run in the scheme. Now, he just has to get into shape. He is more comfortable at right tackle but can play both sides. Love, who had a least one serious knee injury during his NFL career, also had a cameo appearance at guard during his time with the Saints.
No one expects Love to come in and snatch a starting role. He does have a chance to show he can be a reliable backup.
The Atlanta Falcons added another body for depth at offensive tackle -- signing Demarcus Love to a two-year, minimum-salary contract.
Love, out of Arkansas, last played for the Denver Broncos. He started his career as a sixth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2011. He also had stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints.
The addition of Love brings the Falcons' roster to 90. The 6-foot-4-inch, 334-pound Love continues to work his way into playing shape. He hopes to slim down to 322 pounds by the start of the season, provided he makes the roster.
Depth along the offensive line is an obvious concern for the Falcons going into training camp, which starts Friday. Starting left tackle Jake Matthews is coming off foot surgery to repair a Lisfranc ligament tear, while backup Lamar Holmes could start camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) after suffering a broken foot during minicamp. Projected starting right tackle Ryan Schraeder, veteran Tyler Polumbus, and rookies Jake Rodgers and Matt Huffer are the other tackles on the roster.
The Falcons worked out former first-overall pick Jake Long on Tuesday, but Long left town without signing a contract. He visited the New York Giants Wednesday and reportedly was headed to Denver next. Based on his injury history with two right ACL tears, Long probably wouldn't have been an ideal fit in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's outside-zone blocking scheme, which emphasizes good lateral movement for the offensive linemen.
Love apparently has the ability to get out and run in the scheme. Now, he just has to get into shape. He is more comfortable at right tackle but can play both sides. Love, who had a least one serious knee injury during his NFL career, also had a cameo appearance at guard during his time with the Saints.
No one expects Love to come in and snatch a starting role. He does have a chance to show he can be a reliable backup.