The 2012 NFL Draft is still two months away but there is very little doubt about one thing: Matt Kalil is one of the best offensive line prospect to come out in quite some time. The former standout with the USC Trojans is a projected top-five pick by just about every mock draft, although there has been some question surrounding which team will end up selecting him due to potential trades.
The latest mock draft from SB Nation takes a look at Kalil and where he stands heading into the 2012 NFL Combine:
3. Minnesota Vikings, Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Kalil still has improvements to make in his game. Even with some professional growth ahead of him, he is still the best offensive tackle in the draft. His natural ability in pass protection will improve the life of Vikings' quarterbacks considerably. As he learns the fine art of run blocking in the NFL, he should round into Pro Bowl shape.
There is a growing belief that some team will trade up with the Rams to draft Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick, which would likely send Kalil to the Vikings. Just about every team in the top-10 could be looking for offensive line help and yet another trade to acquire the massive offensive tackle is not out of the question, either.
There is little chance that Kalil could lose his spot among the other offensive line prospects, but a strong showing at the 2012 Combine certainly couldn't hurt his stock moving forward.