NFL Draft 2012: 5 Reasons USC OT Matt Kalil Is Ready to Start

Matt Kalil is one of the best offensive line prospects to enter the market for a very long time.

He chose to leave a USC team that could possibly find themselves in the national championship next season in order to chase his NFL dreams.

Slated across the board as a lottery pick this year, teams are still trying to decipher just how effective Kalil could be down the road.

It's no secret that he could be scary good, and I'm here to tell you why.

NFL Preparation

Kalil has been training hard and eating right as he prepares for the NFL combine.

He has gained 15 pounds, while shedding body fat, ridding himself of all the fatty foods we all enjoy.

As he strives to achieve perfection, he is taking all the steps in the right direction as his stock continues to rise.

He has proven he has the work ethic to be succesful moving forward as his stock continues to rise. 

Has Already Had the Responsibility of Protecting a Premier Quarterback

Kalil spent a little less than two years protecting Matt Barkley, one of the best quarterbacks in college football this past season.

Barkley will likely be in Kalil's position next year, preparing to be an NFL lottery pick. However, right now it is Kalil benefiting from the protection that he provided for Barkley the past few years.

Clearly the leader of the Trojans' offensive line, they only allowed 26 sacks in 25 games and were known as a passing team.

Kalil has already had to deal with the pressure of protecting a marquee quarterback every game and no matter what team he goes to, they should feel safer knowing defenders have to get through Kalil before they get to him.

Matched Up Against Aggresive Defensive Ends in Practice

Kalil matched up against a very aggressive defense day in and day out in practice, including one of the best defensive ends in the country—Nick Perry.

Kalil has already been up against the best of the best in the college football world and he will make the transition to the NFL very smoothly.

His footwork is superb, and his feel for the game and where his quarterback is really makes him a special player.

Played at USC

USC is Los Angeles's team, about as close as you can get to a professional team in college football.

Kalil has already played in front of large crowds and on the biggest stage.

The pressure will not get to him. He will simply have to continue to do what he's been doing, protecting the quarterback.

He has been mentored by ex-Trojans and coached by coaches with NFL experience. There is a reason USC is a football powerhouse and that's because they do a great job of preparing players for the NFL and Kalil is exception.

Just Look at Him

He's 6'7", 300 pounds.

What more could you ask for out of an offensive lineman?

He's deceptively quick and has amazing footwork.

He's proven, he's experienced, and he's been mentored by both his brother and father who played in the NFL themselves.

Kalil has taken advantage of all his physical gifts and resources and has the potential to be a future pro-bowler and star in the NFL.