Vikings select Matt Kalil with fourth overall pick

The 2012 NFL Draft officially began at 5pm Pacific Time, and by 5:30, Matt Kalil had already learned his destination. The Minnesota Vikings selected the 6’6, 305 pound offensive lineman with the fourth overall pick, after an early trade with the Browns lowered them from third.

Kalil became the 76th Trojan drafted in the first round, enabling USC to boast the most of all schools. He is also the 17th Trojan tackle selected in round one, following Tyron Smith, who was chosen 9th overall by the Cowboys a year ago.  The Junior would also become the ninth tackle selected among the top-10 picks.

USC tackles drafted in the first round

Year	Player	Team	Rd	Pick
2012	Matt Kalil	Vikings	1	4
2011	Ty Smith	Cowboys	1	9
2008	Sam Baker	Falcons	1	21
1996	John Michels	Packers	1	27
1995	Tony Boselli	Jaguars	1	2
1991	Pat Harlow	Patriots	1	11
1988	Dave Cadigan	Jets	1	8
1986	James Fitzpatrick	Chargers	1	13
1985	Ken Reuttgers	Packers	1	7
1981	Keith Van Horne	Bears	1	11
1980	Anthony Munoz*	Bengals	1	3
1977	Marvin Powell	Jets	1	4
1974	Steve Riley	Vikings	1	25
1971	Marv Montgomery	Bcos	1	12
1970	Sid Smith	Chiefs	1	26
1968	Ron Yary*	Vikings	1	1
1968	Mike Taylor	Steelers	1	10

*denotes Pro Football Hall of Fame

Kalil entered his junior season as the top rated player at his position.  He maintained that status throughout, and would eventually choose to forgo his senior year at USC to pursue NFL riches.  Through performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and USC Pro-day, he solidified his position in the top-5, and with Minnesota providing a perfect fit, his name was quickly called.

Matt Kalil attended Servite High School in Anaheim, where he was rated a 5-star player for the 2008 recruiting class by rivals.com.  His brother, Ryan, played center for the 2003-2004 USC National Championship teams, and is currently a Pro-Bowl center for the Carolina Panthers, and highest paid at his position in the league.

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~ by Anthony on April 26, 2012.