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NFL Mock Draft 2012: Matt Kalil Selected By Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil, formerly of the USC Trojans, is one of the best offensive linemen prospects to enter the NFL Draft in the last decade. Gifted with size, speed and a high football IQ, many feel Kalil will be a stud left tackle at the next level for many years to come. First, he'll need a team to select him in the 2012 NFL Draft, where he is a consensus top-three overall pick.

This latest mock draft from SB Nation has Kalil heading north to play with the Minnesota Vikings next season.

3. Minnesota Vikings, Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil is the best left tackle in the draft since Jake Long in 2008. He's a natural in pass protection, and should make life much easier for Christian Ponder in Week 1. Kalil needs to hone his run blocking before ascending to the class of elite of elite linemen.

There are quite a few mock drafts with Kalil going No. 2 overall to the Rams, but there continues to be a belief that some team -- whether it be the Dolphins, Redskins, Browns or someone else is unknown -- will make a move up the draft boards to take Robert Griffin III with the second pick. That would likely move Kalil down a slot, sending him to Minnesota where he would immediately bolster an aging offensive line that needs to protect Christian Ponder.

For more on the Trojans, head on over to Conquest Chronicles.