2012 NFL Mock Draft: Ranking Matt Kalil and the Draft's Top OL Prospects

You have probably heard a ton about the potential of Andrew Luck, Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson. 

How about the guys that really make everything happen—the offensive linemen?

I've said the 2012 draft class is special and part of that proclamation comes from the incredibly talented and NFL-ready offensive linemen it boasts.

Let's rank the top three O-linemen as we look forward to April.   

1. Matt Kalil

Although he's not a Jake Long or Joe Thomas offensive tackle prospect, Matt Kalil has the potential to become one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen in the near future. 

He is already a polished tackle, but he has room to grow as a run-blocker.

Kalil has the size at 6'7'', 295 to stay with any and all speed-rushers at the next level and possesses technician-like footwork and speed. 

There's some molding to be done, but the proper coaching will allow Kalil to become a stud on the left side of any offensive line. 

2. David DeCastro

My favorite offensive line prospect. 

DeCastro was the anchor of one of the nation's best offensive lines over the last three seasons and he's really got all any coach would ever want from a college guard prospect. 

He's a 6'5'', 312-pound monster that has a football IQ through the roof but is nasty at the point of attack and utilizes his mastery-level footwork to control defenders. 

DeCastro has the speed to reach the second level on pulls and can simply maul interior defensive linemen with deceptive strength. 

Ask Washington's Alameda Ta' Amu, who was hardly a factor against the Cardinal, mainly because of DeCastro's dominance. 

He could be picked in the top 15, which is rare for an interior lineman. 

This Stanford product, like Andrew Luck, is a once-in-a-decade prospect at his position. 

Whichever team drafts him will instantly be an improved running team in 2012. 

3. Johnathan Martin

Not taking anything away from Andrew Luck, but he certainly had quite the offensive line in front of his during his collegiate career. 

David DeCastro has All-Pro written all over him and tackle Johnathan Martin is another sure-fire first-round pick. 

At 6'6'', 305 pounds, Martin is big enough to handle bullrushes, but especially excels against defensive ends and outside linebackers that try to speed rush him. 

He's extremely athletic and light on his feet, making him nimble enough to be one of the best run-blockers in the nation.

Martin gets to the second level with ease and eliminated some early season penalty problems. 

Not surprisingly, he's another Stanford guy that uses his intelligence to go from a good player to a great one. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson
2. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil	18. Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones
3. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon	19. Denver Broncos: Lamar Miller
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery	20. Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn
5. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne	22. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu
7. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	24. Baltimore Ravens: Vontaze Burfict
9. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley	26. Detroit Lions: Alfonzo Dennard
11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams
14. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff	30. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
15. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins