Matt Kalil to enter the NFL draft.

by Tevin Broner on Dec 16, 2011 7:44 AM CST

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Matt Kalil #75 of the USC Trojans speaks to reporters after his blocked field goal in the final seconds of the game preserved a 17-14 win over the Utah Utes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Last week, there was a rumor circling around that Matt Kalil wouldn't go to the NFL Draft. Then he came out and said that he hadn't made a decision yet? Now it's looking like he has made a decision:

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil has decided to forego his senior season and seek entry into the 2012 NFL draft, sources have told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Right now, it's between the Rams and Vikings for the number two draft pick. After those two picks it will be surprising if Matt Kalil or Justin Blackmon are available for the 4th selection in the first round.

In 2011, Kalil didn't allow a sack and led the USC offensive line to the lowest sack allowed total in the country.

Going into next season the Rams offensive line will make a few changes. Jacob Bell and Jason Brown, could be on their ways out and it's anyone's guess on how Jason Smith will perform, if he is brought back at all. Rodger Saffold doesn't look like he can play left tackle, since he hasn't performed well against good defenses.

Adding Kalil to the left, would mean that Saffold will go to right tackle and Jason Smith will go to guard if he is brought back, with Harvey Dahl being the other guard. Tony Wragge could be a cheap option at center for a year or two.

That line has potential to be very good, or at least a hell of an upgrade.

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He's my #1 Pick without a doubt!

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by Douglas M on Dec 16, 2011 8:21 AM CST reply actions

+1

I like the thought of him in a Rams uni.

But what about a WR? Interesting options all the way round.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Dec 16, 2011 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

I think if we re-sign Lloyd, we can get a good #2WR in the 3rd or 4th round

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by Douglas M on Dec 16, 2011 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Didn't we say that last year?

We just need to stay away from the injury bug.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Dec 16, 2011 7:26 PM CST up reply actions

There is zero speculation as to who we are gona pick in the draft

by Ram_Redemption on Dec 16, 2011 8:58 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Yup! Jason Smith really screwed us. We'll have spent 2 1st-s and a 2nd round pick trying to find a left OT

The good news is that I think Safford could be a stellar RT

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by Douglas M on Dec 16, 2011 9:37 AM CST up reply actions

Yep

Kalil has a domino effect. He helps solidify BOTHA ot spots. No sax given up all season? Wow

by Ram_Redemption on Dec 16, 2011 9:57 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Done

Although the thought of trading down is appealing, even more appealing is locking down the two OT positions for years. If, come draft time, Kalil still looks to be a Jake Long/Joe Thomas prospect (Smith never was), the Rams have to do this.

by mcihaelT on Dec 16, 2011 10:14 AM CST reply actions

If only Jason Smith worked out.

Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter Follow @T_Bron

by Tevin Broner on Dec 16, 2011 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

That might be the biggest "if" of the season!

If Jason Smith became the LT he was drafted to be, it would be interesting to see how that could have changed the fortunes of this team. The top of the 2009 draft class has turned out to be pretty bad overall. The only player the team could have reasonably selected, given projections at that time, would have been BJ Raji. But they certainly weren’t going to draft a DT with the 2nd pick. Nevertheless, the Rams were forced to address a position of great need with a player who may have been the best prospect at that position in the 2009 draft class, but was nowhere near the prospect that Kalil is. Oh well.

by mcihaelT on Dec 16, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions