USC Offensive Tackle Matt Kalil Impresses At Combine, Shows Why He Is The Best In Class

It is no secret that the Arizona Cardinals may be looking to select a young talent at offensive tackle in the 2012 NFL Draft. The position has been one that the team has struggled with for years and an upgrade would help solidify what appears to be a team that is ready to make a run. It's also no secret that the best offensive tackle coming into the NFL Combine workouts was Southern California's, Matt Kalil.

Kalil possesses a rare combination of size and speed that will undoubtedly help him to succeed at the next level. And to no one's surprise, he was able to show off his talents at the Combine, solidifying his position as the best lineman in the draft.

The prototypical left tackle that has great size, but can still move swiftly is not something easy to come by. Kalil measured in at 6'6 5/8" tall and weighs 306 pounds. According to many reports, he has actually put on some weight since deciding to depart from USC for the NFL. Kalil's arms also measured in at 34 1/2" a piece. So we know the size is there, but how about the speed?

Again, Kalil was not one to disappoint in the speed department. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.99 seconds, which was one of the faster times among all of the linemen. Pro Football Talk has also reported that Kalil ran the 10-yard split in 1.70 seconds. That time shows interested teams that he can explode off the ball quickly and get into the second level of the defense with ease.

Lastly, Kalil showed that he also has the strength to control the strongest of pass rushers in the NFL. He was able to do 30 reps at 225 pounds, despite the fact that his arms are extremely long.

Unfortunately for Arizona fans, Kalil will be long gone before they are able to select their player at #13. Still, it's impressive to see the kind of numbers that one of the best college prospects is putting up. Let's hope that if the Cardinals do decide to pick up an offensive tackle, that player can be somewhat similar to what Kalil will be.

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