Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
After executing an epic deal to move down from the second overall selection with the Washington Redskins, the St. Louis Rams have positioned themselves well for the rebuilding process. That will likely begin on the offensive side of the football where the Rams scored just 193 points in 2011, the fewest in the league by a significant margin. Given the way the picks have fallen in the 2012 Rant Sports NFL Mock Draft, USC left tackle Matt Kalil would be the best pick possible for the Rams at number six overall.
The Rams offensive line struggled mightily in 2011 forcing quarterback Sam Bradford to pick himself up off of the turf a league high 55 times last season. The failed draft choice of Jason Smith has been a difficult hurdle for the team to overcome, but choosing Kalil would show that they are not gun-shy about taking a lineman early in the draft despite their recent misfortunes.
Kalil’s greatest asset is his footwork and body positioning which allows him to square up to defenders and maintain the leverage advantage at all times giving him the upper hand in any trench battles. Upper body strength certainly is not lacking when watching Kalil on film as he has the power to move some of the largest defensive ends that he lined up against during his collegiate career.
At 6’7†295lbs., Kalil has the intangible of a large frame which he could add some additional weight. For a man of his size he is extremely athletic with incredibly quick feet. Kalil actually blocked three kicks during the 2011 season with the USC Trojans as well which speaks volumes about his natural athleticism. His ability to play with natural knee bend and use proper hand placement makes him the ideal candidate as a left tackle in the NFL.
Many of his critics point to a lack of lower body strength being a potential pitfall for him at the next level. His legs are a bit thinner than the ideal lineman and he can struggle to drive defenders off of the ball on running plays. With the appropriate diet and training regimen that he will receive at the next level, this will seem like a mere speed bump in Kalil’s development process.
Drafting Kalil will really benefit the Rams’ line by allowing Rodger Saffold to move back to the right tackle spot where he is best suited or even kick inside to guard. Taking a lineman may seem boring to fans, but when your quarterback’s jersey is as dirty as Bradford’s was in 2011, the choice gains rationality in a hurry.
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