- Name: Matt Kalil
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 306
- School: Southern California
- Year: Redshirt Junior
- Draft Projection: 1st Round (3rd Overall)
The true value of the left tackle is up for debate. Some feel they’re pillars of a franchise, the second most important position after quarterback. Others feel a good quarterback obviates the need for a top tackle. Regardless, in a passing league, one in which pass rushing schemes continue to evolve, protecting the passer has become paramount and that often starts at left tackle. In this draft, nobody curtails a pass rush better than Matt Kalil. With light feet and solid athleticism, Kalil can mirror pass rushers and demonstrates the ability to recover if he is beaten off the snap. He’s agile enough to kick out and contain the edge and consistently displays strong footwork. Despite somewhat limited experience, he has emerged as the clear top tackle in the draft.
The big issue with Kalil is strength. He’s not going to be a mauler and can be pushed around in the run game. That’s what may prevent him from becoming an elite tackle in the mold of a Joe Thomas. He does, however, have the frame to add functional strength, and assuming he can maintain agility as he adds on weight, he has a great shot at becoming one of the league’s premier tackles and an elite blindside protector.
Fantasy Impact…Kalil’s biggest impact will be keeping his quarterback clean. Improving a team’s pass protection will benefit all skill position players.
