SB Nation Los Angeles - 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Kalil And Nick Perry Consensus First Round Pickshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2012-02-22T07:01:00-08:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24480002012-02-22T07:01:00-08:002012-02-22T07:01:00-08:00NFL Combine 2012: Player Reporting Dates, List Of Activities And More
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<img alt="INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Robert Sands #41 of West Virginia runs with the football during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2v7RNcMRIAyLQE1pPDGlthnX__Q=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2053577/GYI0063761868.jpg" />
<figcaption>INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Robert Sands #41 of West Virginia runs with the football during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Los Angeles may not have an NFL team, but there is plenty of reason to check out the NFL Combine this week.</p> <p>The NFL Combine is a chance for every player in attendance to either make or break his stock for the upcoming draft. For those who perform well, one can expect to see their projected selection rise anywhere from a couple of spots to a couple of rounds, depending on their current projection. For those who struggle and look sluggish during the workouts, interviews and other aspects of the event, they can cost themselves some serious money with a poor showing.</p>
<p>The city of Los Angeles does not currently have an NFL team, but they will have numerous college athletes from the area attending the 2012 Combine. Here is a preview of what the players can expect once they arrive in Indianapolis:</p>
<h4>Group 1 (Special Teams, Offensive Linemen), Group 2 (Offensive Linemen), Group 3 (Tight Ends)</h4>
<p>Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - Travel to Indianapolis, Registration, Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays, Orientation, Interviews<br>Thursday, February 23, 2012 - Measurements, Medical Examinations, Media, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Friday, February 24, 2012 - NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, PK/ST Workout, Interviews<br>Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure from Indianapolis</p>
<h4>Group 4 (Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers), Group 5 (Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers), Group 6 (Running Backs)</h4>
<p>Thursday, February 23, 2012 - Travel to Indianapolis, Registration, Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays, Orientation, Interviews<br>Friday, February 24, 2012 - Measurements, Medical Examinations, Media, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Saturday, February 25, 2012 - NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure from Indianapolis</p>
<h4>Group 7 (Defensive Linemen), Group 8 (Defensive Linemen), Group 9 (Linebackers)</h4>
<p>Friday, February 24, 2012 - Travel to Indianapolis, Registration, Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays, Orientation, Interviews<br>Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Measurements, Medical Examinations, Media, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Sunday, February 26, 2012 - NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Monday, February 27, 2012 - Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure from Indianapolis</p>
<h4>Group 10 (Defensive Backs), Group 11 (Defensive Backs)</h4>
<p>Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Travel to Indianapolis, Registration, Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays, Orientation, Interviews<br>Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Measurements, Medical Examinations, Media, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Monday, February 27, 2012 - NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, Interviews<br>Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure from Indianapolis</p>
<p>The Combine is always a great event and every player will be doing his absolute best to impress the scouts. This may be a fun thing to watch for fans, but it is a very serious moment in each of these player's lives. Hold nothing back.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/2/22/2815871/nfl-combine-2012-schedule-players-report-datesScott Coleman2012-02-22T05:01:35-08:002012-02-22T05:01:35-08:002012 NFL Combine: A Reference Guide To Player Drills
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<p>A look at the different tests and drills players will undergo this week at the NFL Combine.</p> <p>The NFL Combine is made up of several tests for teams to further evaluate potential players and is meant to measure a number of different things - athleticism in general, top-end speed, explosiveness, agility, power, and strength. Intelligence, skills, hand-eye coordination, and maturity. Essentially, the skills needed to play at a high level in the NFL.</p>
<p>USC and UCLA have a couple of high-profile participants in this year's Combine - USC sends T <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Kalil</a>, DT DaJohn Harris, DE Nick Perry, DL <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9563/christian-tupou" class="sbn-auto-link">Christian Tupou</a>, FB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9560/rhett-ellison" class="sbn-auto-link">Rhett Ellison</a> and RB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9548/marc-tyler" class="sbn-auto-link">Marc Tyler</a>. UCLA sends TE <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38226/cory-harkey" class="sbn-auto-link">Cory Harkey</a>. Each one of these players has a lot to gain by performing well this week. So - what should you be watching?</p>
<p>Fans like to place a lot of emphasis on the '40-time' a player records and that's typically the number that gets thrown around the most, but there are many tests to monitor as you watch the Combine this week. The typical tests administered at the Combine include: 40-yard dash, bench press (225 lb repetitions), vertical jump, broad jump, 20 yard shuttle, 3 cone drill, 60-yard shuttle, position-specific drills, interviews - each team is allotted 60 interviews in 15-minute intervals, physical measurements, injury evaluation, drug screen, the Cybex test and the Wonderlic Test. Let's run through them quickly.</p>
<p><b><i>The 40: </i></b>Yes, this is the sexiest of them all. The 40-yard dash measures how quickly the athlete can run 40 yards, starting from a dead stop. This test is broken down into splits as well - 10 yards and 20 yards, to measure acceleration vs top-end speed. Fast split times indicate quick twitch acceleration and is valuable for any player in this league.</p>
<p>A good 40-time is going to be in the 4.4 to 4.5 second range for receivers, running backs, and defensive backs. 4.6-4.8 is what you could expect from a lot of the other positions - linebackers, defensive ends, tight ends, and some quarterbacks. Most linemen are going to run 4.9 or higher. If you see anyone run in the 4.3s or even the 4.2s, you're seeing something special.</p>
<p><b><i>Bench: </i></b>This is mainly for the big guys - linemen and linebackers. It measures strength and stamina, mostly. Oregon State's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37438/stephen-paea">Stephen Paea</a> set the all-time Combine record last year with 49 reps at 225 pounds but anywhere in the 30s is pretty good. Guys with longer arms don't do as well because they're lifting the weight further, but in general I don't think teams look too much into the bench press test, unless a player just does horribly. That would indicate lack of dedication most likely - failure to hit the weights or prepare yourself.</p>
<p><b>Vertical Jump: </b>This test tells teams how much lower body explosiveness a player has. You're not allowed to run and jump; you take off from a standing position, and a benchmark for the elite group in terms of vertical jump is 38" to 42". Anything more than that, you're looking at a freak of nature. Well, all these guys are kind of freaks in that sense, but 43", 44" or more is pretty rare. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14912/virgil-green">Virgil Green</a> of Nevada hit 42.5" and Jonathan Baldwin of the Chiefs hit 42" on his vert last year to lead the way.</p>
<p>I'd say this test is probably more important for the receivers and defensive backs but really, lower body strength and explosiveness is pretty important for any player.</p>
<p><b><i>Broad Jump:</i></b> Similar to the vertical, this test measures lower body strength and power. Explosiveness. The player jumps forward as far as they can from a standstill. 10 feet is the baseline for 'good', but if you get into the 10'6" range, you're looking impressive. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35164/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a> blew everyone out of the water last year when he registered an 11'3" broadjump. The recent best was Cincinnati's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/entries/edit/#">Jerome Simpson</a> in 2009, who jumped 11'4".</p>
<p><b><i>20 yard Shuttle (AKA "short shuttle"): </i></b>Also referred to as the "5-10-5", it's a test of a player's lateral movement ability. The player basically starts in the middle of an area that's 10 yards long - he bursts out of a 3-point stance and fun five yards to the right, switches gears and go ten to the left, then again to the right to finish off. This drill is a lot more important than many people believe - some say it's more important than the 40-yard dash because it measures short-area quickness and agility, things any player on the NFL field requires. A good test in this area can get you noticed. Boise State's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15435/austin-pettis">Austin Pettis</a> set the bar last year with a 3.88 second short shuttle. Anything below 4-flat though, and you're getting looks.</p>
<p><b><i>3-Cone Drill: </i></b>Similar to the 20-yard shuttle in importance. It measures change of direction, short-area burst, agility, and importantly, balance. Also known as the "L" drill. Players start out in a three point stance at the first cone, run forward five yards to the second, change direction back to where they started, change direction again and back to the second cone again. Instead of stopping there, they hang a right and around the third cone at the end of the "L". Coming back, the player again makes a 90 degree turn to their left then through the finish. Basically, it measures a players ability to keep their speed up through sharp turns and is especially important for receivers, corners, and defensive ends.</p>
<p>Benchmark for 'good' is 7 seconds. Benchmark for 'elite' - 6.5 seconds. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/19264/jeff-maehl">Jeff Maehl</a> turned some heads last year and ran a 6.42 for the best time at the Combine. He wasn't drafted, but caught on with Texas as an UDFA. Teams will be watching this time very closely, especially for those three positions.</p>
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<p>Those are the mains physical tests to keep an eye on. A good 40-time will get a player some recognition, but a strong 3-cone drill and/or short-shuttle makes a big difference as well. You may have the best hands in the world as a receiver, but if you can't make quick cuts and maintain your speed, you're going to have more trouble against elite cornerbacks in the NFL. Visa versa as well for the defensive backs, and obviously for defensive ends, if you can't get by a left tackle your career at that spot may not last long.</p>
<p>Teams will also put players through positional drills to test their skills in catching, coverage, throwing, and a myriad of other 'football' skills. They'll interview players to evaluate their maturity, dedication, intelligence, etc. They will administer the Wonderlic Test, which is a timed test to measure IQ. The Cybex test is meant to measure fitness and joint movements.</p>
<p>The NFL Combine is the first best way for front offices to gather information on the players that they are potentially going to invest millions of dollars in. It's going to be exciting.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/2/22/2815835/2012-nfl-combine-a-reference-guide-to-player-drillsDanny Kelly2012-02-12T11:50:03-08:002012-02-12T11:50:03-08:002012 NFL Draft: USC Trojans Pro Day March 7th
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<p>The NFL combine runs February 22-28 this year out in Indianapolis, and the ever exciting Pro Day season starts only a few days later on March 1. </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> get their Pro Day underway on March 7, and have a boatload of talented guys taking part for scouts form across the NFL. Guys like running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9548/marc-tyler">Marc Tyler</a>, fullback/ tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9560/rhett-ellison">Rhett Ellison</a>, linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9574/chris-galippo">Chris Galippo</a>, defensive tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9610/dajohn-harris">DaJohn Harris</a>, left tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a>, defensive end Nick Perry, and defensive tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9563/christian-tupou">Christian Tupou</a> have all been invited to the combine. But It's a great place for players like wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9594/brandon-carswell">Brandon Carswell</a> <a href="http://www.usctrojans.com/blog/2012/02/team-first-guy.html" target="_blank">to show off his stuff</a>:</p>
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<p>"I still have that mentality that I'll go in and do the dirty work," Carswell said. "Hopefully I can show off my pass-catching skills too." </p>
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<p>Pro Day workouts will be held on campus, complete with the the same athletic drills as the NFL Combine (40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump etc.), only without the medical testing and personal interviews. </p>
<p><b><i>For more on Trojans Pro Day head over to <a href="http://www.conquestchronciles.com" target="_blank">Conquest Chronicles.</a> For more on the NFL Draft, check out <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com" target="_blank">Mocking the Draft. </a></i></b></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/2/12/2793646/nfl-draft-2012-usc-trojans-pro-day-march-7th-marc-tylerErnie Pomin2012-01-17T17:40:31-08:002012-01-17T17:40:31-08:002012 NFL Draft: Matt Kalil, Nick Perry Projected In First Round
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<p>SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber released his latest mock draft Tuesday and projected that former USC players Matt Kalil and Nick Perry would both be taken in the first round. Van Bibber had left tackle Kalil going number two overall to the Rams for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8315/sam-bradford">Sam Bradford</a> blindside protection, and DE Nick Perry to the Titans for a little good, old-fashioned pass rushing.</p>
<p>Here's what Van Bibber <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/1/17/2709580/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck" target="_blank">had this to say</a>:</p>
<h4><i>2. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a>, OT, USC</i></h4>
<p><i>This is where the drama starts in the draft this year. Some other team will most likely be picking Baylor quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35519/robert-griffin-iii">Robert Griffin III</a> in this spot, giving Jeff Fisher and the Rams a boatload of picks to fill out a woeful roster. They hope. St. Louis really needs a receiver, but they also need an offensive tackle. Blackmon might be the better pick for need, but Kalil should be closer to the top of any draft board.</i></p>
<h4><i>20. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>, Nick Perry, DE, USC</i></h4>
<p><i>Tennessee is another team in desperate need of pass rushers. They picked up just 28 sacks in 2011, second-lowest total in the league. Perry's stock took a tumble after his 2011 season, but he still possesses the fundamental ability desirable among pass rushers.</i></p>
<p>Make sure you check out the rest of Van Bibber's picks over at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/1/17/2709580/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck" target="_blank">SB Nation. </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/1/17/2709580/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck" target="_blank"></a><i><b>To talk about Kalil and Perry with USC fans,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/"> head on over to Conquest Chronicles</a>. To talk about the NFL Draft in general, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/">go to Mocking the Draft</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/1/17/2714952/2012-nfl-draft-matt-kalil-nick-perry-projected-in-first-roundDanny Kelly2012-01-12T05:01:18-08:002012-01-12T05:01:18-08:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Minnesota Vikings Draft Matt Kalil
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<p>The Minnesota Vikings likely have their eyes on a small pool of players considering they have such a high draft pick. The Vikings are 3rd overall. Minnesota will have their pick of the best players available not named <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> and whoever the St. Louis Rams take.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2012/1/11/2700062/pick-256s-mock-draft-v-2-0">In this latest mock draft by Pick 256 of Mocking the Draft</a>, the Rams end up taking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37330/justin-blackmon">Justin Blackmon</a> of Oklahoma State for his awesome offensive skill production to help provide <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8315/sam-bradford">Sam Bradford</a> an elite wide receiver to connect with and help get St. Louis's offense going. That leaves the Vikings to take left tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>, who could very well be a cornerstone for the franchise for years to come in defending <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder">Christian Ponder's</a> blind-side.</p>
<p>Kalil might end up with the Rams, but there is a possibility he slips to three, and it's unlikely he drops beyond that.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the Vikings and their NFL draft pick, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailynorseman.com">check out Daily Norseman.</a> To talk about Kalil with USC fans,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com"> head on over to Conquest Chronicles</a>. To talk about the NFL Draft in general, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">go to Mocking the Draft</a>. <br></b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/1/12/2701677/matt-kalil-minnesota-vikings-nfl-mock-draft-2012Avinash Kunnath2012-01-07T06:01:23-08:002012-01-07T06:01:23-08:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Matt Kalil To Vikings, Nick Perry To Chiefs
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<p>The 2012 NFL Draft will arrive sooner than you think. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> are expected to have at least one player selected in the first round and likely two.</p>
<p>Left tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Kalil</a> and defensive end/outside linebacker Nick Perry are both being projected for selection within the top fifteen overall picks, <a href="http://newnfldraft.com/" target="_blank">according to the website New NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p><i><b>More</b>: Check out SB Nation's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/1/2/2675322/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck-robert-griffin-iii">latest NFL mock draft</a>.</i></p>
<p>Kalil is expected by most to be selected by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> as the second overall draft, behind only Stanford quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Luck</a>. New NFL Draft has a different take, however, suggesting that the Rams might instead opt for a wide receiver, allowing the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> to cash in on the consensus No. 1 offensive tackle in this year's draft. Here's what they have to say:</p>
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<p>This year has been a disappointment for the Vikings. However, it hasn't been all bad because <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder" class="sbn-auto-link">Christian Ponder</a> has shown flashes that he is going to be the QB of the future for the Vikings. Additionally they have looked ok at time on both offense and defense. With this selection I think they could go 1 of a couple ways.. first off I think they could go with one of the top tiered skilled players such as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78699/morris-claiborne" class="sbn-auto-link">Morris Claiborne</a> as a CB or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78863/alshon-jeffery" class="sbn-auto-link">Alshon Jeffery</a> as a Wider Receiver. With this being said I think they need a Left Tackle of the future and Kalil would be this player fo the Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft.</p>
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<p>The site also has high hopes for USC pass rusher Nick Perry, whom they rank as the No. 1 outside linebacker in the draft's class of 2012. They foresee Perry winding up as the No. 11 pick and going to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. They elaborate:</p>
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<p>In this 2012 NFL mock draft the Kansas City Chiefs take a good defensive player to continue building on their already good defense. I previously had them taking a QB in this 2012 NFL Mock Draft and picking much higher but now they are out of the top 10 and the top tier QB's seem to all be gone. However, due to the fact that they keep winning games and I see a few more wins in their future I have moved them down in this 2012 NFL Mock Draft.</p>
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<p><i>For all news and information regarding the USC Trojans, please visit <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/" target="_blank">Conquest Chronicles</a>. To connect with Vikings fans, head on over to <a href="http://www.dailynorseman.com/" target="_blank">Daily Norseman</a>. For perspective on the Kansas City Chiefs, check out <a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/" target="_blank">Arrowhead Pride</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/1/7/2688954/2012-nfl-mock-draft-matt-kalil-nick-perry-usc-trojans-vikings-chiefsBill Hanstock2012-01-05T05:02:28-08:002012-01-05T05:02:28-08:002012 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Kalil To St. Louis Rams, Nick Perry To San Diego Chargers
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<p>The two best <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft are starting to settle into their natural positions in the draft. As a solid left tackle with bona fide credentials in college, there's no way <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a> is dropping very far barring poor results in the combine or college all-star games. Kalil is a left tackle, and NFL teams at the bottom of the pecking order definitely need a guy like him. If the Indianapolis Colts take <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> as expected, the St. Louis Rams will almost certainly take Kalil next (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/1/2/2675322/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck-robert-griffin-iii">SB Nation's current mock draft confirms this</a>).</p>
<p>Nick Perry is probably going a little bit further down because no one knows for certain how potent a pass rusher he can be on an NFL defense. Sure, it's easy to be awesome at USC on defense, but can you play this good on your own? If he falls this far, the San Diego Chargers are the right team to fall to, as they have serious pass rush issues that could be fixed up if Perry is as good as advertised.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss these USC players entering the draft, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com">head to Conquest Chronicles</a>. To discuss Kalil potentially being a Ram, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com">head to Turf Show Times</a>. To discuss Perry possibly going to the Chargers, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com">go to Bolts From The Blue</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/1/5/2683968/matt-kalil-nick-perry-2012-nfl-mock-draft-rams-chargersAvinash Kunnath2012-01-02T09:36:32-08:002012-01-02T09:36:32-08:002012 NFL Mock Draft: USC Trojans Matt Kalil, Nick Perry Projected First Round Picks
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<p>Sure, there are still plenty of college football bowl games still going on, but it's never to early to talk about the NFL draft. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/1/2/2675322/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck-robert-griffin-iii">latest 2012 NFL mock draft is up at SB Nation</a>, and a pair of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> juniors are expected to be drafted in the first round. It appears left tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a> and defensive end Nick Perry made wise financial decisions to leave school early.</p>
<p>Kalil is projected to be picked No. 2 in the draft by the St. Louis Rams according to Ryan Van Bibber, and with good reason. The All-American left tackle protected quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley's</a> blind side all season, and was part of a unit that saw Barkley get sacked only eight times, the best in the nation. Kalil himself allowed zero sacks.
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<p>Perry, who led the Trojans with 9.5 sacks, is projected to be picked 18th by the San Diego Chargers. "Remember a time when the Chargers pass rush was feared?" Van Bibber asked. "The defense needs to recapture some of that. In a draft where no pass rushers stand out, Perry is a solid pick in this spot."</p>
<p>USC could have had three first round picks, but instead they will enjoy the alternative as Barkley decided just before Christmas that <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2011/12/22/2655850/matt-barkley-return-usc-trojans-senior-season/in/2347858">he would return to the Trojans for his senior season</a> to lead a team that will almost certainly be ranked near the top of the preseason polls.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on USC football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">head on over to Conquest Chronicles</a>. </b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/1/2/2676750/2012-nfl-mock-draft-usc-trojans-matt-kalil-nick-perry-projected-first-round-picksEric Stephen