With the third pick in our 2012 Cincy Jungle mock draft, Palewook selected for the Minnesota Vikings, who finished the season with a 3-13 season.
With the third pick in the 2012 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select....
Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Besides the selection of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the selection of Matt Kalil is likely the only other first-round pick that is set in stone. Kalil is by far this year's draft class' best offensive lineman and has what it takes to be a successful left tackle in the NFL.
Christian Ponder is the quarterback of the future in Minnesota and it makes sense that the next step would be to make sure Ponder is protected and has time to make his throws. Last season the Vikings offensive line allowed 49 sacks, which was tied for fifth most in the NFL. Last year, left tackle Charlie Johnson had a terrible year, allowing eight sacks and 32 quarterback pressures, earning a ProFootballFocus.com score of -12. Kalil offers a significant upgrade in pass protection and also should open up holes in the running game for Adrian Peterson.
Matt Kalil Highlights:
Joe Goodberry's Instant Analysis:
The Vikings have their Quarterback if the future in Christian Ponder. Drafting a LT to protect him is the logical choice. Kalil has every quality of a top tackle prospect. He should be playing in a Pro Bowl in short time.
Grade: A+
Value: --
Draft Overview:
# | Team | Picked By | Name/Positon of Pick |
1 | Indianapolis | Alex Neyer | Andrew Luck QB |
2 | Washington | David Farrelly | Robert Griffin III QB |
3 | Minnesota | Palewook | Matt Kalil OT |
4 | Cleveland | Jason Garrison | |
5 | Tampa Bay | Andrew Bernius | |
6 | St. Louis | Jim0ijk | |
7 | Jacksonville | AK513 | |
8 | Miami | Dan Lockhart | |
9 | Carolina | Jason Blanton | |
10 | Buffalo | Casey Penn | |
11 | Kansas City | Kenneth Taylor | |
12 | Seattle | Jerod Egner | |
13 | Arizona | Dan Wolford | |
14 | Dallas | Joshua Foster | |
15 | Philadelphia | Travis Parker | |
16 | New York Jets | Kenneth Taylor | |
17 | Cincinnati (from Oakland) | Jason Garrison | |
18 | San Diego | Anthony Knox | |
19 | Chicago | Steve Whited | |
20 | Tennessee | Jeff Welch | |
21 | Cincinnati | Jason Garrison | |
22 | Cleveland (from Atlanta) | Jason Garrison | |
23 | Detroit | Andrew Perrotta | |
24 | Pittsburgh | Jason Garrison | |
25 | Denver | Jared Morgan | |
26 | Houston | Brett Kollman | |
27 | New England (from New Orleans) | Anthony Knox | |
28 | Green Bay | Travis Castleman | |
29 | Baltimore | Jason Garrison | |
30 | San Francisco | Chris Brown | |
31 | New England | Anthony Knox | |
32 | New York Giants | Matt Leitner |