Southern California offensive tackle Matt Kalil enters the 2012 NFL Draft as a junior and the top-rated player at his position.

He started all 13 games as a sophomore in 2010 and did not allow a sack in 2011.

As good as it gets?

Strengths

• Good size (6-foot-6 3/8, 306 pounds)
• Impressive footwork
• NFL bloodlines (father, brother)
• Great athleticism
• Run blocking - a downhill mauler
• Strong, patient pass protector - rarely allows a defender to get past him on the outside
• Understands how to use a defender's momentum against him
• Blocks well in open space - athletic enough to get downfield in a hurry
• Legitimate NFL left tackle
• Has a nasty streak about him
• Tremendous upside

Weaknesses

• Quarterback Matt Barkley may have made him look a little better than he is
• Can struggle against inside rip moves
• Somewhat inexperienced
• May be just a tad on the slim side for his height but has room to add muscle

Expected draft placement

Kalil is likely to go as high as the No. 3 pick to the Minnesota Vikings and is highly unlikely to slide past the St. Louis Rams at No. 6.