2012 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Select Matt Kalil, OT, USC Live Draft Grade

With the fourth pick acquired from the Cleveland Browns, the Minnesota Vikings have selected  USC Offensive Tackle Matt Kalil

Here is our scouting report on Kalil:

Kalil is a redshirt junior and is considered the best tackle prospect for the 2012 draft. He’s got great size coming in at 6 ft 7, 295 pounds. He uses his hands well and has good upper body strength. He also has good footwork. He has all the tools to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. Now, Kalil is not a perfect prospect. He would do well by following in the footsteps of former teammate Tyron Smith and bulking up. He needs to work on his pad level as he will lose leverage the longer a play continues. Matt is not the only player in his family to be a successful football player. His father played center in the NFL and his brother Ryan is an all pro center for the Carolina Panthers. Kalil has the potential to be a top 10 pick if he has a good year.

Matt Kalil, T, USC Trojans Football

Pros--Extremely talented kid as a left tackle prospect…natural left tackle and has good feet…powerful in the running game…good family blood line…probably the most talented player between him and his brother (Ryan, C, Panthers)….very long arms…good height…gets off the snap fast…good use of hands…high motor…durable

Cons--Sometimes plays a little high, not an elite level athlete…been the top of his class for a couple of years… needs to add more bulk to his frame…needs to play stronger and while a natural knee bender, not a great technician at this point will have to improve on that

Pick Grade: A

The Vikings need to get as much protection as possible for Christian Ponder. Adding Kalil is a huge step in the right direction for this franchise.