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By Nate Kuester
Senior Writer
http://www.nationalfootballauthority.co ... sc-ot.html
When evaluating the talent level and prospects of USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil a certain phrase pops up almost immediately; legitimate pro tackle.
Kalil will almost certainly have new St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher tempted to avoid any interested parties interested in trading for the team's No. 2 spot in the upcoming draft. It is hardly a well kept secret Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has been positioned to be the franchise signal-caller, however, he has experienced some difficulties doing that after getting sacked as often as he did in the 2011 season.
Enter Kalil, who didn't allow a single sack during his junior campaign in the land of Troy.
Kalil is the premier left tackle in this year's draft class. He has a keen awareness and good field vision, mixed with a healthy dose of smarts in the football IQ department. Part of the reason his teammate Matt Barkley was even getting looks from Heisman voters comes in part because he was protected so well. Kalil had a hand in that, though you certainly cannot take anything away from Barkley's athletic abilities as these two just compliment each other exceptionally well.
The 6'7" pro prospect is one of those special guys when it comes to the 300-pounder (295 pounds) class. Kalil will absolutely meet with the trainers upon getting drafted to help bulk up what could be considered a lean build by offensive line standards at the pro level. The good news is he should have no problem adding weight and bulk. Perhaps his brother Ryan Kalil who plays center for the Carolina Panthers will show him the ropes with that part.
The Rams, as well as other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, have likely already had to hire additional towel boys to clean up the pools of drool after watching Kalil's pass blocking abilities. The talented left tackle stands up and never backs down, swatting away any defender attempting to work his way inside. He uses his power effectively while waiting to see how the play develops before committing to executing his blocking assignment; and he does it all in the mere blink of an eye.
Kalil's athleticism perhaps draws the most attention and praise. When in open space, he still has enough quickness and prowess to get up field in a hurry. It is rare you find an offensive lineman that appears nimble on the field, yet also exhibits a patience that often pays off in executing the play. The way Kalil uses his feet should have many scouts licking their chops.
The guy is also one heck of a run blocker, and you know Rams running back Steven Jackson could appreciate something like that. The way Kalil opens up holes, seems almost as if he is on a downhill slope charging like a bull. Defenders at the college level could only hope to contain him, however -- more often than not -- they failed.
Kalil exhibits an awareness of motion in how he utilizes his opponents momentum against them. The guy has remarkable instincts that just about any pro quarterback dealing with a penetrating front four would kill to have blocking for him. It is with good reason the USC tackle is considered to be the top player at his position in the draft class thanks to his noteworthy skill set.
Kalil anchored a fairly weak Trojans offensive line and he shined. Last year's ninth overall pick Tyron Smith likely remembers his former teammate all too well. The two competed for the left tackle spot at USC, and it was Kalil who emerged as the victor in that battle.
The simple fact of the matter is, no other tackle quite measures up to the measurables, nor the intangibles in regard to what Kalil brings to the game. He is a moving brick wall that is a pure force to be reckoned with.
No matter what team winds up taking him in the draft, they will provide themselves with an immediate upgrade to the offensive line. There is little question of that, and he will likely get plenty of chances to prove that on Sundays this next season.
Senior Writer
http://www.nationalfootballauthority.co ... sc-ot.html
When evaluating the talent level and prospects of USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil a certain phrase pops up almost immediately; legitimate pro tackle.
Kalil will almost certainly have new St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher tempted to avoid any interested parties interested in trading for the team's No. 2 spot in the upcoming draft. It is hardly a well kept secret Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has been positioned to be the franchise signal-caller, however, he has experienced some difficulties doing that after getting sacked as often as he did in the 2011 season.
Enter Kalil, who didn't allow a single sack during his junior campaign in the land of Troy.
Kalil is the premier left tackle in this year's draft class. He has a keen awareness and good field vision, mixed with a healthy dose of smarts in the football IQ department. Part of the reason his teammate Matt Barkley was even getting looks from Heisman voters comes in part because he was protected so well. Kalil had a hand in that, though you certainly cannot take anything away from Barkley's athletic abilities as these two just compliment each other exceptionally well.
The 6'7" pro prospect is one of those special guys when it comes to the 300-pounder (295 pounds) class. Kalil will absolutely meet with the trainers upon getting drafted to help bulk up what could be considered a lean build by offensive line standards at the pro level. The good news is he should have no problem adding weight and bulk. Perhaps his brother Ryan Kalil who plays center for the Carolina Panthers will show him the ropes with that part.
The Rams, as well as other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, have likely already had to hire additional towel boys to clean up the pools of drool after watching Kalil's pass blocking abilities. The talented left tackle stands up and never backs down, swatting away any defender attempting to work his way inside. He uses his power effectively while waiting to see how the play develops before committing to executing his blocking assignment; and he does it all in the mere blink of an eye.
Kalil's athleticism perhaps draws the most attention and praise. When in open space, he still has enough quickness and prowess to get up field in a hurry. It is rare you find an offensive lineman that appears nimble on the field, yet also exhibits a patience that often pays off in executing the play. The way Kalil uses his feet should have many scouts licking their chops.
The guy is also one heck of a run blocker, and you know Rams running back Steven Jackson could appreciate something like that. The way Kalil opens up holes, seems almost as if he is on a downhill slope charging like a bull. Defenders at the college level could only hope to contain him, however -- more often than not -- they failed.
Kalil exhibits an awareness of motion in how he utilizes his opponents momentum against them. The guy has remarkable instincts that just about any pro quarterback dealing with a penetrating front four would kill to have blocking for him. It is with good reason the USC tackle is considered to be the top player at his position in the draft class thanks to his noteworthy skill set.
Kalil anchored a fairly weak Trojans offensive line and he shined. Last year's ninth overall pick Tyron Smith likely remembers his former teammate all too well. The two competed for the left tackle spot at USC, and it was Kalil who emerged as the victor in that battle.
The simple fact of the matter is, no other tackle quite measures up to the measurables, nor the intangibles in regard to what Kalil brings to the game. He is a moving brick wall that is a pure force to be reckoned with.
No matter what team winds up taking him in the draft, they will provide themselves with an immediate upgrade to the offensive line. There is little question of that, and he will likely get plenty of chances to prove that on Sundays this next season.
