Behind Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, USC Trojans offensive tackle Matt Kalil is probably the player most people feel will pan out and be an all-time great. However, there is some uncertainty as to whether Kalil will end up being picked third.
Mel Kiper released his latest and final mock for the 2012 NFL Draft (you can view the full mock if you have an ESPN Insider account), and it has the tackle ending up dropping down the board to the fifth spot for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If the board fell this way, I can also see the Bucs working the phones to get out of this spot. Kalil really would be a nice addition for this team, but they could shop the pick to a team in more desperate need of a top tackle.
Mike Mayock also has released his only mock draft, and Kalil stays at the third spot.
Here's where the intrigue begins. Why do I go LT here instead of CB or WR? GM Rick Spielman has to be thinking about the Vikings' 35th overall pick when he makes this one. If he gets Kalil here, he can come back and get LSU WR Rueben Randle or maybe Montana CB Trumaine Johnson in the second round.
Check out the video of Mayock explaining the pick.
To discuss Kalil and how well he'd fit in Minnesota with Vikings fans, go to Daily Norseman. Check out what Bucs fans think about picking Kalil in Bucs Nation. To talk about Kalil and see what about the Trojans, head on over to Conquest Chronicles. Check out Mocking The Draft to learn more about mock drafts.
Discuss the SB Nation NFL Draft YouTube channel by watching the videos below.