NFL Draft 2012: Why Minnesota Vikings Would Be Foolish to Move out of No. 3 Spot

The Minnesota Vikings have a massive hole on their roster, and if they keep the No. 3 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft they can fill it. They could be looking to trade out of that spot to pick up more assets that would add to their roster, but they would be foolish to make such a move.

If not for Andrew Luck, USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil would be the top player in the 2012 draft class. He is the complete package and has all the makings of a franchise left tackle. While the Vikings have expressed interest in LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, they should take Kalil and not look back.

Before the 2011 season, Minnesota released long-time left tackle Bryant McKinnie and have yet to replace him. With a young franchise quarterback in Christian Ponder under center, the team needs someone to protect his blind side. 

At 6'6" and 306 pounds, Kalil has ideal size for the position. In addition to his bulk, Kalil has outstanding intangibles. He has impeccable bloodlines, as his brother Ryan is a Pro Bowl center for the Carolina Panthers. His father Frank played offensive line in the USFL. Meanwhile the youngest Kalil is a leader on and off the field and an incredibly hard worker.

He is phenomenal in pass protection, with his combination of size, athleticism, quick feet and outstanding technique. Kalil has incredibly long arms and is equally effective against speed rushers and bull rushers thanks to his strength and the leverage he plays with.

While run blocking he gets out of his stance quickly and almost always dispatches the first man in his way easily before looking to punish someone at the next level. Kalil has a nasty streak that comes out particularly when heading downhill to punish someone on the second level.

He takes pride in his craft, and after watching hours of tape on him, I can say that he is easily the best offensive lineman to enter the NFL since the Miami Dolphins made Jake Long the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

Kalil will be a perennial Pro Bowler, and even if the Vikings get a decent offer for a trade up, they would be passing on a guy who could make an impact on the roster for the next decade. Some think Claiborne would be a better fit, and he'll a good player, but he's not the impact player Kalil is and will be.

The Vikings don't need to over think this one. Stay put at No. 3 and take the best player on the board. That will be Matt Kalil.