4 Ways Matt Kalil's Decision to Stay at USC Could Affect the 2012 NFL Draft

To some, it may come as a surprise, but nonetheless the NFL Draft does change. According to Rob Rang of CBS Sports, USC's Matt Kalil may pass on the draft and play another year of college football:

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"Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil is 'set to return' for his senior season according to a source close to the situation."

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Rang went on to add:

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"A high-ranking NFL scout confirmed that he'd also heard Kalil was 'definitely leaning towards returning' and that the decision surprised he and his scouting peers, as well."

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That being said, how would Kalil returning to school affect the 2012 NFL Draft? (Remember, not official yet) Well, here are four ways and three affect one team who most thought would draft him.

Matt Barkley Returns to USC

First things first, his QB.

Matt Barkley is slated to be a Top 5 pick and he's certainly proven to be deserving of one. That said however, according to Gary Klein of The Los Angeles Times, Barkley has sent in some normal paperwork to the NFL:

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"Barkley, at Coach Lane Kiffin's direction, simply made the standard evaluation request that most draft-eligible players file after their junior seasons."

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So, despite it appearing that Barkley is looking ahead to the draft, it would not be surprising if he decided to remain at USC. With his blindside tackle seemingly returning, along with their postseason eligibility, the Trojans could be national title contenders in 2012.

In turn, when the 2013 NFL Draft comes around, both Kalil and Barkley could go No. 1 and No. 2 overall, that is, pending on what teams need.

Regardless though, both will be high draft picks whenever they do enter the draft. As for the team who could use Kalil, well, there's other areas of need to fill.

Vikings Draft Morris Claiborne

Minnesota ranks No. 26 in pass defense and allows over 250 pass yards per game. They clearly need help in slowing teams down and LSU's Morris Claiborne would be their best option here.

The man has six INTs this season—11 in the past two years—and 46 tackles. Perhaps the more impressive number though, is his 173 INT return yards (101 in 2010). That's almost 30 yards per INT return this season, and just over 20 per return in 2010.

So not only does Morris have excellent field awareness and lock-on coverage, but his after-the-catch ball skills are arguably the best in the nation. When you can change the field position that much and basically get three first downs for your offense, the odds of winning significantly increase.

Not to mention, Claiborne plays in the SEC so you know he's been tested by some of the nation's best players week in and week out.

That being said, if Claiborne isn't appealing enough, perhaps the next prospect could improve another area of need-passing offense.

Justin Blackmon Becomes More Appealing to Minnesota

Rookie QB Christian Ponder has made Minnesota's passing offense bearable to say the least. With limited pass protection he does know how to buy time while keeping his eyes down field.

In addition, he also has the ability to scramble when needed. A big reason for that however, is because Percy Harvin is his best receiving target. Through 13 weeks Minnesota ranks No. 27 in passing offense and averages just under 195 per game.

But, drafting Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon will surely improve their aerial assault. For one, Blackmon can stretch the field as good as anyone in the nation and he's also reliable across the middle and on slants.

His size and speed combo gives him a distinct advantage over many defenders, and as college football's best WR in 2010—and arguably that again in 2011—Justin Blackmon is great addition into helping the Vikings offense.

Not to mention his size allows for good run-blocking down field and keeps the defense from putting eight guys in the box to try and stop Adrian Peterson. Think about how much more dangerous he becomes against less run-defenders.

Vikings Trade Down and Stock Up on Picks

Another area Kalil affects is Minnesota possibly trading down to stock up. From an all-encompassed perspective, this affects the entire league more so than the previous two slides, and also from a long-term viewpoint.

A lot, obviously, would depend on who proposes what to the Vikings, as a Top 5 pick isn't just given away. And for such a high pick but having so many needs, perhaps stocking up isn't the worst of ideas.

They need help in pass defense, pass protection, receiving targets, and even another stud pass-rusher to complement Jared Allen would suffice. Just imagine how dominant Allen is now, and then multiply that as the pass-blockers' attention is geared toward another player.

Plus, if the Vikings want to make the fastest turnaround possible, reviewing more talent as opposed to only a few gives them more room to work with. Now, include them being in the NFC North and they have a lot of ground to make up.

So, maximizing on the number of picks isn't such a bad idea.

2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	18. Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB (LSU)	19. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
4. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devon Still, DT (Penn St.)	21. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (ND)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. Arizona Cardinals: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)	23. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
8. Seattle Seahawks: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)	24. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)
9. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	25. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)
10. Washington Redskins: Montee Ball, RB (Wisc.)	26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Mich. St.)
12. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O.): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
15. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)	31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
16. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

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