2012 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Need Matt Kalil to Allow Colt McCoy to Succeed

If it wasn't obvious before that the Cleveland Browns are hoping the Vikings don't decide to take Matt Kalil with the third overall pick in this year's draft, it is now.

The Browns have the fourth pick, and according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Kalil will be paying them a visit this week.

Many have the USC offensive tackle going to Minnesota at No. 3, but it's clear that the Browns are serious about him if he does fall to them at No. 4.

Cleveland's offensive line is in need of serious upgrade, and Kalil—by far the best tackle available among this year's crop—would offer the Browns the stability they need at right tackle in order to ensure the success of quarterback Colt McCoy. He could also serve as an excellent backup at left tackle.

Last season, the Browns allowed the eighth-most quarterback hits in the NFL and were tied for 14th in the NFL for the most sacks allowed. Cleveland also had the second-worst average for rushing yards per attempt.

Kalil, at 6'6" and 306 pounds, ran a 4.99 40-yard dash at the combine this year and is the ideal size for an NFL right tackle. The junior displays above-average athleticism and is excellent in pass protection, which is something the Browns desperately need after last season's debacle. He started for two seasons at USC and saw action on both the right and left sides.

Speculation continues to run rampant about the intentions of the teams with the top picks in this year's draft, and although Kalil isn't expected to make it to the Browns at No. 4, the Vikings could still opt for Ryan Tannehill instead of taking Kalil. Even if the Vikings do intend to take Kalil, the Browns should consider trading up so they can select him.

No quarterback wants to play behind a shoddy offensive line, and McCoy is never going to improve unless the Browns shore up in that department. If the Browns are serious about McCoy being their quarterback of the future, they need to get equally serious about building an offensive line that offers adequate pass protection.

Kalil offers them a perfect opportunity to do so, so they need to do whatever they can to make sure they don't lose out on him.