NFL Combine 2012: Why Matt Kalil Is the Best Offensive Lineman Available

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil showed up for the NFL Scouting Combine yesterday, and I have seen nothing that would lead me to believe he will last beyond the No. 3 pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Kalil spent his final two years at USC protecting quarterback Matt Barkley's blind side, and he did a phenomenal job. When looking at the stats Barkley posted in 2011, don't underestimate how important his confidence in his left tackle was.

At 6'7" and 306 pounds, Kalil is undoubtedly the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. While he's already over 300 pounds, the athletic 22-year-old has room to add bulk to his frame. He's light on his feet for his size, and he has great initial burst in both the running and passing games. 

Kalil shows a nasty streak when run-blocking and looks to punish his first target before turning up field and targeting defenders at the second level. He's not only aggressive, but technically sound, and possessing both of those traits sets him apart from his competition in this draft class.

He is also great with his hands and uses his long arms to keep pass-rushers at bay. There are concerns about how he will handle bull-rushers in the NFL, but given his overall awareness and understanding of the game, I think he'll be just fine with experience.

The USC product clearly leaves both Riley Reiff and Jonathan Martin behind him when breaking down the offensive linemen in this class. As of now, it appears Kalil will either go to the St. Louis Rams or the Minnesota Vikings who have the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in this draft, respectively. 

I don't think anything that happens at the combine this week will change Kalil's position on the board. He is just too well-rounded and his upside is almost unlimited.