Video: Vikings Select Matt Kalil >> Photo Gallery: Matt Kalil >>
Video: Kalil's Wild Night In NYC >>
Blog: Kalil Joins Vikings-USC Fraternity >> Blog: Vikings Get Their Man, Pick USC's Kalil >>
Article: Vikings Trade Down, Select USC's Kalil >> Audio: Kalil Conference Call >>
Video: Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith's Intro Presser >>
Video: Spielman's Draft Night Presser >> Video: Frazier's Draft Night Presser >>
Draft Party Audio on Kalil: Spielman >> Frazier >> Ponder >> Kalil >>
Video: Path to the Draft - USC's Matt Kalil >> Video: Kalil Reveals Draft Day Secret >>
Video: Kalil Shines at USC's Pro Day >> Video: Combine - Kalil Lives Up To The Hype >>
Video: Combine - Kalil Performs Well >> Video: Combine - Examining Matt Kalil >>
Video: Combine Press Conference - Matt Kalil >>
OVERVIEW
Kalil is the undisputed top tackle prospect in this year's draft after two successful years starting on the left side for USC. He is an early-entry junior who has been a reliable blindside protector for Matt Barkley. He has all the physical tools to achieve success at the next level and has continued to develop his game technically. Kalil has an NFL pedigree, as his dad was a former semi-professional player and his older brother Ryan is a consistent Pro Bowl center for the Carolina Panthers. He should be the first lineman off the board and could easily be a top-five pick and immediately hold down the starting left tackle position for an NFL team.
STRENGTHS
Kalil is tall and has an impressive frame that he carries well. He is equally thick and strong from his upper body down through his thighs, and he has thin calves and ankles that lend well to him being a light-footed mover. He explodes off the ball every snap and gets to his destination point with ease. In the run game, he can provide a punishing first blow to keep his man off balance, and is very comfortable getting to the second level to fit on backers. He has a technically sound kick step in pass protection and slides very smoothly. He is NFL-ready in terms of using his hands and has the ability to decleat defensive ends.
WEAKNESSES
There are some concerns surrounding Kalil's ability to anchor and stall bull rushers, given his tendency to play upright. There were few examples of his anchor actually being an issue in college, but the limited level of knee bend he plays with could be a concern. He rarely snaps his hips through when blocking in the run game and is more of a mirror/positional blocker. He could have to work on his knee bend and flexibility to take on the more explosive ends in the NFL.
Analysis from NFL.com.
