2012 NFL Draft: Matt Kalil and the Minnesota Vikings' Biggest Targets

The Minnesota Vikings have very clear needs to be answered via draft or free agency, and they are as follows:

1. Linebacker

2. Safety

3. Cornerback

4. Offensive Line

5. Wide Receiver

Wide receiver is a position, much like running back, that is often overvalued due to a fascination with high-scoring offenses. The Vikings could still use help at the position, but look at how the past decade of Colts teams were always able to improve and produce talent at the receiver position without wasting any high draft picks. A good offensive line, quarterback and defense gets you a championship. Look at the team that came out victorious in the Super Bowl, and you will see just that.

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Matt Kalil, OL, USC

With the third pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings will likely select Matt Kalil.

Offensive line may not be the most important need the Vikings have, but a good lineman is invaluable and can last 10-15 years in the NFL at an elite level. Coming out of USC, Kalil has proven himself against both strong and speedy Pac-12 pass rushers, helping USC to a 10-2 record.

Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Cornerback is more of a collective group position than the media portrays, and the Vikings can find a good one in the early second round.

Despite all of the press that a player like Darelle Revis gets, a secondary can be strong without any true stars by playing as a team. Stephon Gilmore may not be a shutdown corner if left on an island every play, but the 6'1'' corner out of the other USC has speed and athleticism to cover the field and make plays—something the Vikings desperately need.

Marvin Jones, WR, Cal

Through my own bias, others have noticed that Marvin Jones was sorely underrated at Cal. In his final season, the receiver took a back seat to fellow stud Keenan Allen. But with his own spotlight in draft preparation, Jones has impressed scouts with his discipline, running clean, crisp routes and catching anything within reach.

The Vikings need consistency and talent at equal levels in the receiver position, and Jones gives them just that in the third or fourth round.

Neiko Thorpe, FS, Auburn

Through all of the attention LSU got during the NCAA football season, Auburn maintained a nearly comparable elite defense.

Neiko Thorpe was a lynchpin of this defense. With 94 tackles and three interceptions, the converted cornerback displayed a variety of skills, but occasionally showed too much willingness to gamble on deep balls. The Vikings could steal Thorpe away in the third or fourth round due to his big-play weaknesses of the past.

Athletic safeties are becoming more and more common in the NFL due to their versatility, and Thorpe is one of those difference-makers.

Mychal Kendricks, OLB, Cal

To shore up that last area of the field, the Vikings need a rangy, quick and intuitive linebacker. Enter Mychal Kendricks.

The Pac-12 defensive player of the year did it all for the Golden Bears, with 96 tackles (13 for a loss), two interceptions and three sacks. He could be of help to the Vikings in a number of areas.

Still undervalued, Kendricks is only projected to go in the fifth round in the draft, and the Vikings would be wise to pay him some attention.