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Subject Line: BTB Mock [your BTB screenname] [your slot number]
i.e.: BTB Mock [Bermystar] [pick#5]
The BTB Community Mock is out of the repair shop and rolling again. We've seen the top two picks go QB1 ad QB2 as expected, and now it's time to get into the nitty gritty of the draft. The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock and this is one team that has numerous holes to fill. To top it off, the one position that they actually had confidence in, running back, took a late season hit. Adrian "All Day" Peterson suffered both a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee against the Redskins late in December last year.
This is a team in need of a lot of help, and quick, if Leslie Frazier is to keep his job for any forseeable length of time.
Without further ado, here is the BTB assigned selection for the Minnesota Vikings.
Draft Pick # 3
Team Name: Minnesota Vikings
GM: gasman8
Selection: (LT) Matt Kalil, USC
Minnesota is entering a large rebuilding phase. I could easily see a trade down here to get some more draft picks but in the end, Speilman realizes the cornerstone on the offensive line for the next 10-12 years is what's best. Expecting a heavy pass rush from the likes of Julius Peppers, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Clay Matthews, a LT is needed to see if in fact Christian Ponder or possibly even Joe Webb is QB of the future. Great pick here for Minnesota and now they can finally move past the McKinnie years in the twin cities.
Follow the jump for a complete prospect profile on Matt Kalil and the Minnesota Vikings team needs.
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Feature Wide Receiver, Left Tackle, Cornerback, Strong Safety
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): Free Safety, Guard, 43 Outside Backer, 43 Inside Backer
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): 43 Defensive Tackle, Complimentary Running Back
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Quarterback, Running Back, Right Tackle, Possession Receiver, Tight End, Center, 43 Defensive End
-- Drafttek.comm ranked #2 Overall, #1 at the position
-- Wes Bunting, National Football Post: #6 Overall, #1 at the position
What I like...
- Is a natural bender who sits into his stance well and displays proper knee bend in pass protection.
- Is quick to set, gets out of his stance well and maintains balance even vs. speed on his kick-slide.
- Takes proper angles on the edge, never seems rushed and exhibits "plus" balance in his lower half.- Is routinely the first lineman moving off the football, takes a quick first step and uses his length well to get into contact.
- Steps and seals very quickly on the edge as well, taking excellent angles and keeping defensive ends from getting a sniff on runs designed to go through the B-gap.
- Looks natural/rangy pulling on lead tosses, getting into the second level and breaking down on contact.
What I don't like…
- He needs to continue to add strength/girth to his lower half. Looks thinner through the legs and will have a tough time consistently anchoring at the next level at his given weight.
- Has a tendency to widen his base/footwork on contact in order to help him anchor. And will get caught a bit overextended in the lower half and struggle to quickly re-direct through contact.
- Also will widen footwork in anticipation off the bull rush and give up a step laterally at times because of his overextended footwork and lack of balance.
- Tends to allow his pad level to pop up a bit through contact in the run game. Doesn't keep his base/feet under him through contact consistently which limits his natural power in-line.
- Isn't the stickest of players through contact in the run game, will get caught playing straight-legged and fall off blocks after his initial surge.
- Isn't the most naturally powerfully in-line guy on contact. Generates a good natural snap at the point, but lacks the lower body strength to simply drive stronger defensive linemen off the ball consistently. More of a step and seal guy.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #3 overall, #1 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #3 overall, #1 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #1 at the position
- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):
Pass blocking: Eases out of his stance, showing good patience to allow defenders to come to him. Plays with textbook balance and technique: knees bent, shoulders square and on the balls of his feet. Has good arm length and upper-body strength to steer defenders aside. Has the power and agility to mirror and when he sets his hands, it's generally game over. Has a tendency to be lazy fundamentally and is susceptible to elite lateral agility. Good recognition skills.
Run blocking: Fires off the snap. Has a prototypical build and strength of an NFL offensive lineman. Maintains good pad level and has the strength in his upper body and leg drive to knock his opponent off the ball. Quick to the second level. Flashes some nastiness to pancake off-balance opponents.
Pulling/trapping: Limited experience, unlimited potential in this area. Comfortable on the hoof, showing plenty of athleticism and recognition to handle blocking in space. Effective, experienced trap blocker.
Initial Quickness: Decent initial quickness and a smooth, patient style about him when in pass protection. Rarely allows an outside pressure despite operating against hybrid fronts and many undersized pass rushers. Has good quickness off the snap when run blocking, though his strength and hand placement are more critical to his success.
Downfield: Finds his assignment quickly with good enough lateral agility and balance on the move to blast through target with an emphatic punch. Scouts would like to see more of a fiery, typical o-line temperament. Seems content to do enough to win the one-on-one matchup when he could wipe out defenders.