NFL Draft 2012: Why Minnesota Vikings Are Praying Rams Trade No. 2 Pick

The St. Louis Rams possess the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, and with that selection comes a whole lot of power. The Rams could end up trading out of that spot to a quarterback-needy team that wants to grab Baylor's Robert Griffin III, and as far as the Minnesota Vikings are concerned, that would be a blessing.

The Vikings own the No. 3 pick and are desperately in need of an upgrade along the offensive line. After casting long-time left tackle Bryant McKinnie loose before the 2011 season, Minnesota has yet to find a replacement for him. With that in mind, the franchise would welcome USC tackle Matt Kalil into the fold with open arms.

After watching a ton of tape and reviewing his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, in my estimation, Kalil is easily the second-best player available in this year's draft. He is the prototypical left tackle prospect, and if Andrew Luck weren't in this draft, I think he would be the No. 1 overall pick. In fact, I think he has a chance to be better than Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long, who is the last offensive lineman to be selected with the top pick in the draft.

The Vikings and Kalil seem like a perfect fit, and the only thing that could mess that match up is if the Rams decide to stay at No. 2 and take him.

St. Louis has Rodger Saffold manning Sam Bradford's blind side right now, but he originally played right tackle for the team and could move there again if the Rams fall in love with Kalil. Bookending Saffold and Kalil would make an imposing pair along the offensive line.

Still, it really looks like St. Louis wants to move out of the No. 2 spot, and such a move would be perfect for Minnesota. The Vikings need a guy like Kalil, and they should be praying that someone trades up to grab Griffin and leaves USC's next great offensive lineman to them.