Just about every mock draft to be released over the last month has Matt Kalil heading to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 3 overall pick. While there is little doubt that Kalil would be a great fit with the Vikings, there is a decent chance the team trades their pick to a team looking to secure someone like Ryan Tannehill or Trent Richardson. The latest mock draft from FOX Sports thinks this could happen on Thursday night.
3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: MATT KALIL, OT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Since the Vikings have three or four prospects they'd consider drafting here, a trade down is possible. Maybe the Rams would move up for Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Perhaps someone will move up here to secure Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
In the end, though, I think teams will balk at the price it would cost to trade up to No. 3. If the Vikings keep the pick, it would make sense to take Kalil, the draft's top-rated left tackle, which also happens to be the team's biggest need. Morris Claiborne and Justin Blackmon would be possibilities, too.
The consensus belief is that Kalil will eventually end up with the Vikings, but you just never know with the NFL Draft. Teams always play their cards close to the vest and you never know which of them are going to try and swoop in on a talent like Kalil should Minnesota decide to trade down.
For more on Kalil and the USC Trojans, check out Conquest Chronicles. Vikings fans should visit The Daily Norseman