NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Would Be Wrong to Pass on Matt Kalil

It's been rumored for a while now, but it appears the Minnesota Vikings are ready to select cornerback Morris Claiborne with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. 

This is a mistake.

First, some proof of the Vikes' intent, which comes from NFL.com's Steve Wyche:

"

"A source with knowledge of the situation reinforced that the Minnesota Vikings are leaning toward drafting LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the third-overall pick on Thursday night.

Minnesota has Claiborne rated highest on their draft board and the team reportedly likes him more than USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil."

"

Now, let's get this straight. I believe the Vikings passing on Matt Kalil is mistake, but separating him and Claiborne really is just splitting hairs.

They are both worthy of this year's No. 3 pick, it just depends on which direction certain teams want to go and what position they want. 

Claiborne is a big, fast guy capable of locking down any position. His coverage skills are second to none in this draft, and he is a fantastic ball hawk who will pull down plenty of interceptions if the ball is thrown his way. 

Pairing him with Antoine Winfield would be scary for opposing quarterbacks.

On the flipside is Kalil, who is far from a sexy choice, but he gets it done. The USC grad still needs to improve his run blocking, but his athleticism and quick feet make him very good in pass protection.

Most importantly, he'll immediately step in as left tackle and protect Christian Ponder.

And therein lies the reason why this pick is so important for Minnesota. Their future doesn't hinge on Morris Claiborne. It doesn't even hinge on Matt Kalil.

It hinges on Christian Ponder, last year's first-round pick.

If the Vikings are going to continue to improve and get better, Ponder will have to stay healthy and continue to improve himself. It's hard to believe he'll do that with Charlie Johnson as his left tackle.

The NFL is increasingly becoming a passer's league, and that actually makes a point for both Claiborne and Kalil.

On one hand, adding another corner is never a bad idea when Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford are throwing against you 87 times per game. Twice. But on the other hand, if the Vikings can't pass, they won't keep up.

With Ponder on his back, they won't compete.

Kalil will keep Christian Ponder upright, and therefore is the correct pick at No. 3.

You know, unless they trade down.

Follow @t_keen