The WFAA Bloggers' NFL mock draft
3. Minnesota Vikings -- OT Matt Kalil (USC)
I can’t say that I know a ton of people who had any emotion on the way Christian Ponder played last year. He wasn’t really the topic of harsh criticism, but he also didn’t garner a whole lot of praise. I only saw two Ponder starts, but I saw a couple things that I really liked about the guy. I thought he showed good mobility and excellent poise in the pocket despite being harassed. Not to mention, he was doing all of this with a banged up Adrian Peterson and only one quality WR to throw to in Percy Harvin.
If new Vikings GM Rick Spielman is committed to Ponder, then Matt Kalil is the only choice right here, aside from the option of trading down to accrue more picks. Kalil is the safest pick in the draft. The 6'7 blue-chipper is the dream pick for a team looking to protect a young quarterback. Remember how Tyron Smith played right tackle at USC? He was there because USC already had a stud in Kalil at left tackle. The Vikings had a hole at left tackle last year with Charlie Johnson, who is really more suited to play guard. You’ll probably see rumors of Claiborne here, but don’t buy it. Kalil is a Viking come draft day. -- KEVIN TURNER
(Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)
