So I finally got my Prospect Playbook piece on Matt Kalil up over at Mocking the Draft. It's nothing you won't hear from most others who have watched Kalil.
He's got good feet. He's quick and athletic for his size. He's got great arms and his upper body is very powerful when he can extend. On the downside, his lower body isn't nearly powerful enough to anchor the run game, and he's prone to try and compensate for it in different ways (widening his stance, "guessing" his blocks instead of hitting them with confidence.
The question I pose at the end is simple in concept but difficult in context and application:
How do you approach a prospect with a near-elite (or elite in some people's opinions) pass-blocking skill set despite comparative lower body strength which presents an obvious problem in run blocking let alone pocket protection?
Matt Kalil can help a lot of teams in year one, the Rams certainly one of them. And while he's not on the level of the most elite OT prospects, his pass blocking skills may be enough to (in the right system) be a dominating factor sooner rather than later.
0 recs | 94 comments
He'd be my choice
for the number 2 spot…. Rams need an Oline, could this be the start of one?
RamsIchor - February 16, 2012
Not elite at every aspect of the game?
… all the more reason to trade down to 4, 6, or 9 and acquire more picks IMO.
WpgRamsFan - February 16, 2012
Absolutely agree
watched this guy on youtube last night and all I could think about was that I don’t want another Barron so get me another OT. Trade our pick down. Let somebody else deal with this freak. I don’t think his feet are all that good. I see fast DEs running around this guy. He can’t control the edge. He quits often as well. Give me Adams OT Ohio St. Trade down. Trade down.
fearsomefoursum - February 16, 2012
Another Barron? Lol.
Barron was a mid-round prospect. Some are calling Kalil the best since Joe Thomas/Jake Long.
TrojanRam - February 16, 2012
I just think he a bust
Jake was a fine #1.1 pick Barron was a bust….we have missed out on securing an OT and a DT lately. I don’t think Kalil is the answer…..too flat footed.
fearsomefoursum - February 16, 2012
I don't think he is worth the #2
I looked forward to watching him closely on video, after hearing all the “Jake Long” comparisons, but was disappointed when I finally did.
I hope we trade out.
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
i feel the same way about blackmon...
Mark Jaramillo - February 16, 2012
then lets trade down and then trade down
maybe we need draft picks with people who can evaluate talent.
fearsomefoursum - February 16, 2012
I think when we remember all the Great LT’s they were known for protecting the backside of a QB. Average run blocker is just a bonus in my eyes.
Rams7 - February 16, 2012
I don't know if it's a bonus
but yes, pass pro is the premium skill on the left side. And he’s NFL ready in that area IMO.
3k - February 16, 2012
3k, you're the GM.
Kalil at 2 or Reiff at 4 or 6?
Who would YOU pick?
Or stay at 2, who would you pick?
Midasknight - February 16, 2012
What do I get
in the trades down to 4 or 6?
3k - February 16, 2012
Whatever the going rate is.
I think the 4 includes the 22.
The 6 probably includes a 2nd this year and a first next year.
Midasknight - February 16, 2012
Then yes
I’d trade down. Might not necessarily take Reiff or any OT out of the trade, but yes I’d be willing to stockpile
3k - February 16, 2012
Just curious, but there are two other teams with multiple First round picks Cincinnati and New England
Is there someone that they could value high enough to try and make a move up with us?
Douglas M - February 16, 2012
i think they're too high up to move to the #2 spot
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
doubt New England
maybe Cincy. They’d have to add some serious weight to their trade package.
3k - February 16, 2012
do you think we can trade down twice?
as in to the #4 spot, then take that and trade it to cincy?
We’d have 3 first round picks this year and a ton more
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
Ah yes the grand illusion
The subject of my dreams since the first of the year. First with the Browns, then with the Bengals. We could nail an OLB, OT possibly, and a DT before even going into the second day. Then of course, Philadelphia will want to move up and give us their 2 seconds for our #33. woohoo, throw in second rounders with the previous 2 trades and we’re up to 4 second rounders.
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
oh yeah, that's awesome.
and probably get a couple first rounders next year!
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
may we be so lucky
I’d be fine with that
3k - February 16, 2012
sergey
I did a fanpost on this double trade down. I think we would get extra 2nd or 3rd round picks from Cincy. The more picks the better.
jmo53 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
nice
we can only hope/dream
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
I like trading down to Cleveland for those 2 1st round picks.
Rams7 - February 16, 2012
Me too!
I think we can still get blackmon at #6 and get some Oline help at #17 i believe it is?
Paparro8 - February 16, 2012
#4 and #22
jmo53 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
OT and DT great
we are all in
fearsomefoursum - February 16, 2012
im no expert...
but it seems to me that you can teach pass blocking footwork and technique to some extent, but mauling is a natural skill. thats why i like reiff better, he’s a born mauler who has great lower body strength and could be coached up in the pass blocking department. plus he has faced better d-line competition all through his carrier. im not saying he’s better than kalil, just that i like what he brings to the table more.
unleash-the-beast#39 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
It really depens on his quickness and agility
Big guys are a dime a dozen. Big guys that are quick off the snap and able to bring their brut force to bear are not. Kali is clearly thought of highly due to his ability to play quick and smart. I would have concerns about his nastiness. Eventually all the other prospects will get the technique portion down and the separation between him and the other top 5 guys won’t be as drastic as it is now. The advantage with Kali is he pretty much has the pass blocking technique down so there’s less of a chance he’d wash out on it. No doubt he’ll be a good pick up for someone.
After Smith I’m pretty much scared off taking an OT at the top of the draft. That position has so many aspects to it that it’s pretty much a crap shoot. We have enough needs there should be a no brainer absolute zero percent chance of a bust prospect that we can grab or better yet leverage the position to get multiple quality prospects.
Given a senerio where there is insufficient value in trading down and I had to pick at 2, I’d probably draft Blackmon or someone from LSU or Bama. Just really depends on what FAs can be signed. Just way too much offensive line talent out there to warrant darfting that position at #2. It’s absolutely certain a quality guy will be available early in the 2nd round or late in the first where we could trade up to lock in if we felt we had to. With WR there’s only two maybe three prospects I’d be interested in.
The Rams will either get a pretty good player or several pretty good players out of that #2 spot. I’m really not married to any one pick and see plenty of talent on the board so I’m confident we’ll be in pretty good shape.
Sggladden - February 16, 2012
April
So close, try soooo far away
Ram_Redemption - February 16, 2012 via mobile
We’re still serching for replacing orlando pace, i’m not sure we ever will. we got to stop drafting soft guys. fisher will put an end too that.
crazy mike - February 16, 2012
Pass protection is all I'm worried about with him
he will get stronger and improve his run blocking in the NFL, but he is already a great pass blocker. He will be great IMO
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
FUN FACT!
King missed the last four games of the season with a shoulder injury, one that may linger into offseason workouts wherever he winds up. It’s hard to say that injury was a bad thing for St. Louis — Pro Football Focus rated King as the worst cornerback in the NFL this season. He allowed 43 receptions and had just two pass break-ups.
http://nfl.si.com/2012/02/16/free-agency-primer-nfc-west/?sct=hp_t12_a2&eref=sihp
RamBradford08 - February 16, 2012
King of Clowns!
OakCityRam - February 16, 2012
finally got some stats to show how fucking bad he is
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
sometimes he always doens't dring beer, but when he does
the gut he is supposed to guard is 3 yards past his ass.
fearsomefoursum - February 16, 2012
Kalil can get stronger easily in a NFL work out regimen
And Jeff is a USC guy
King Sam Rules! - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Jeff is a USC guy?
Please say it isn’t so!!!!
Midasknight - February 16, 2012
Yeah, he played there
King Sam Rules! - February 16, 2012 via mobile
damn.
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
3k's post brings to mind both one possible answer and a question to his question.
Answer: well since Fisher sounds like he will be a run-first, pass-second coach I guess one way would be to run Jackson & company off the right side of the line and and throw in some play-action passes.
Question: If Kalil is such a one-dimensional player (pass protector only) then why is he at the top of the list of OTs in the draft much less a top 5 pick?
Go Rams!
Nbr1RamFan - February 16, 2012
because pass protection is a bitch to find around
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
Yeah, but at the expense of being a poor run-blocker when Fish is a run-oriented coach?
Nbr1RamFan - February 16, 2012
We will still throw over 50% of the time and protection Sam is of the highest priority
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
Answer we need more than just one upgrade on the OL
Give Sam an open receiver that won’t drop the ball and an actual pocket that he can step up into from time to time. Seems like we had a lot of pressure created by the line getting blown back right up the middle. A LT won’t fix that alone. Also our TEs absolutely were worthless at picking up a blitz.
Let someone else draft the premium guy let’s draft and sign the pieces to build an entire unit. We need a line coach that can teach how to cheat and get away with it. That was our real weakness last season.
Sggladden - February 16, 2012
plus one!
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
Kalil would instantly improve RT and RG as well as LT
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
Because he has elite talent and he isn't one dimensional
his run blocking just isn’t elite, but it’s adequate enough.
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
After watching the vid clips in 3k's post over at MTD, I think I have more concerns about Kalil than I had before...
What troubles me most is his tendency to straighten up shortly after the point of contact. It makes me wonder if he has lower back issues?
Love his size and reach, but at the NFL level this is more the rule, than exception as it is in college.
Watching Reiff vids I saw a guy that appears better at the point of contact than Kalil, but who also lacks Kalil’s first step speed in pass protection.
Right, for me anyway, I think Kalil and Reiff are a coin flip.
Douglas M - February 16, 2012
Here's a highlight video of Pace in college for comparison. Pay close attention to pass blocking
and you realize that Kalil is about even with Pace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFeb8TsF5iE
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
But he isn't the run blocker Pace was and we all know that
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
c'mon..
not even close… no comparison
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
In pass blocking there is
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
nope
the only similarity: jersey number
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
obviously you won't even look past your homerism
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
what sources of video footage have you used to evaluate kalil?
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
THe ones in 3k's post
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
any others?
RadicalRamsFan - February 16, 2012
and when I say about even, I just talking about pass blocker and about even isn't even
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
Oh my fucking god
I forget what a beast that guy was. I can’t believe anyone passed up on him.
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
nobody passed on him
we took him first overall
sergey606 - February 16, 2012
oh woops!
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
Well technically the Jets passed on him, we traded up
sergey606 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
tear
Orlando was sooooo good…
3k - February 16, 2012
Look at the slight bend at the waist Pace has. It helps him control his weight and strength. It gives him balance that is so very rare in big OTs
Then look at Kalil, and you can see he’s missing that bend. Just my opinion, OK? But I see to much “straight line” in Kalil. While I think he’s waaaaaay better than Jason Smith was in college, I do see a couple of similar blocking tendencies.
http://youtu.be/50AzpWY0hls
Douglas M - February 16, 2012
I'm not sure about the bend stuff
yeah I agree with what your saying, but I’ve never really studied offensive line and I’m more along the line of, did he block him? Yes, well that’s good as of now. I’m trying to learn more but it’s tough. I can just stick to what i know in QBs, WR and defensive players for now.
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
You are one of the more knowledgeable guys I know when it comes to football my friend! :-)
I’m all about studying small facets of each player, and could very well be wrong in what I surmise. I could also be suffering from “Smith Paranoia” too! 8-/
Douglas M - February 16, 2012
O-line is just so tough to judge
b/c they never get any love on TV. Also I just love QBs so I never really pay attention to O-linemen.
Brick Top - February 16, 2012
Agreed with Dougie
We all start somewhere, I grew up as a TE and DE or OLB that’s all I knew but being a Ram fan will force you to look at the aspects of other positions for the purposes of telling the organization where they screwed up from your armchair. That’s become a hobby of mine.
I actually used to drink and swear at Rich Brooks and John Robinson from my living room in the most disgustingly belligerent way imaginable.
It’s our birthright, furthermore, it’s our moral obligation to society as a whole. I have grown mature in my old age and took it easy on the last 2 guys, though I can’t stand the thought that someone, somewhere in the world, might grow up thinking this shit was acceptable to me.
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
There are other first round OT's in this draft class, the Rams can find good tackles in the second round.
Im all for keeping Bradford safe and all but he could make decisions quicker if it were for having a deep threat and someone that could get open. All I am saying is that there are other needs that have been long over due number one being the wide receiver position. Now or days picking up a first round tackle is kinda sketchy, for example the Jason Smith situation. He is turning out to be a bust in the making. so I really think the Rams should take a steal in the first round with Blackmon because of his natural born abilities and talent. I will be disappointed in the Rams if they do not pick up a weapon for Bradford to pass to.
RAM419 - February 16, 2012
Blackmon reminds me of
A shorter version of TO but with better hands and he doesn’t have the diva quality. I like his Passion for the game and that’s something you can’t measure on a scale. His bowl game proved that he is a playmaker and he has heart and wants the ball. If he explodes at the combine there is no reason why not to pick him..
RG31 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I've alway said this... I'll say it again...
The best way to protect Bradford is to get him a good WR that can catch a passes on a 3-step drop rather than having the best OT in the draft. Draft an OT in the second round to develop and keep Smith for one more year, make or break. Jail house blitzes happen when defenses have absolutely no respect for your passing game. No offensive line can block 7 or 8 man blitzes. Get Bradford a good core of receivers and the offensive line will look it got resurrected.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
I actually agree
We need receivers that can gain the respect of secondaries and make them double said receiver. They single covered all of our receivers except Lloyd and succeed all season. Our receives could gain separation if theory lives depended on it. We have spent job draft licks on the line and this offense has still failed, its time to realize you can’t just bring in random FAs and late round receivers and expect to win, period…
RG31 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Most of the posters are trying to cure the symptom, not the illness.
The o-line will look like a new unit with Blackmon and Lloyd. Some of us realize that, I hope Fisher and the new GM do their homework and figure it out.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
Stupid Auto Correct fucked up my last comment
But this is true, I hate how people compare Kalil to some of the greats but then go back and compare blackmon to crabtree when they have different skill sets plus blackmon has more talent then crabtree ever had. If he runs in the 4.4 or low 4.5s (even though I don’t put much weight in 40 times) ill love to hear some of naysayers have to say then..
RG31 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
One thing people haven't notice is that once Torry Holt left was when our offensive line started sucking.
That should have been the biggest clue. If you don’t have receivers that can run routes, seperate and catch the ball it puts a huge burden on the offensive line. They have to hold longer to give Bradford time to finally track an open receiver. Then you have to factor in 8-man blitzes since the defense knows they can commit 2 corners and the free safety to cover your receievers. The result… 10 pts a game on offense and a defense thats so gassed because they’re out on the field 40+ minutes a game because of all of the four and outs by the offense. Thats your 2011 St. Louis Rams.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
this is just wrong
The rest of this post was valid, but the opening was hard to get past. The other part I don’t like is using Jason Smiths bust as a reason to not try to do it right again. Like I said the rest of this comment is worthy
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
I was about to say....
we can’t get it right with the 2nd pick, let alone the 2nd round
DCRamFan - February 16, 2012
All the more reason not to waste a 1st round pick on another OT.
We’re talking about protecting Bradford, I’m still not buying the ‘draft an OT with our 1st pick’ argument. Do we really need an OT this early? You guys are trying to fix a symptom, not the actual illness. Its like a doctor performing brain surgery when an apendectomy is whats needed.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
Draft Blackmon and watch the offensive line mysteriously improve next season.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
Lloyd couldnt even do it last yr...
what makes you think blackmons going to come in and mysteriously turn the whole offense around? o-line as well? there going to double the sh*t out of blackmon, then what? bradford sack for a 6 yrd loss.
Mark Jaramillo - February 16, 2012
I can't be classified as a 'you guys'
because I’m not suggesting we need to take a tackle with our first pick. I see the need for both, OL and WR. I won’t even begin to speculate, though I love the mock drafts.
My hopes are that we trade the Browns, in all honesty. I’d love the thought of two first rounders. And if that were to become realized, I think we’ve gotta take the best available. I’ve said all along, though, that I’d like to address the WR position in FA, simply because of all of the talent available. Tackles are going to have to be drafted, IMO
DCRamFan - February 16, 2012
I'm not saying ignore the OT position in the draft.
I just think WR is a higher need that tackle in the draft. The Rams are in a position with their 1st round pick to get a good player to fill that need. Why not? I’d rather they trade down and hopefully get Blackmon, but priority should be get Bradford WR weapons that can be short yardage and be down the field threats. When he has that you won’t see all the 7 and 8 man blitz packages by the other team and the offensive line will be to give Bradford more time to pass.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
I would say the "actual illness" is Smith.
You can’t fix concussions. This is my worry.
jmo53 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
Agreed. But do you use a 1st round pick to back up Smith?
Thats a huge costs when there are gaping holes in other areas.
Da Rams! - February 16, 2012
I personally think Smith is gone.
I also think we trade down and Kalil is out of the convo anyway. I’d like Blackmon at #4 or Reiff at #6. Then fill the other later. If we miss on Reiff instead of a 2nd round LT I’d take Glenn or Konz but we do imo need another LT.
jmo53 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
I just don't see much in the draft or FA if we miss out on Kalil/Reiff.
jmo53 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
according to jason lacanfora on nfl access...
jason smith is a gonner. so anyway all you guys put it in all your points…OT is going to have to be addressed. plain and simple. thats why i see kalil a way bigger need than wr. saffold is moving to the right side…
and if the rams do trade down, then i STILL see the rams go o-line in whatever pick they have. theres more good wr’s in this draft than blackmon guys.
Mark Jaramillo - February 16, 2012
Could these be described as his positives?
Tall, athletic left tackle. Excellent straight-line speed and hustle, getting downfield on screens and long runs. Can pull and trap, running smoothly and adjusting to oncoming defenders. Moves to the second level quickly, using good angles to keep linebackers out of the play. Should work well in zone-blocking schemes with his ability to lock onto defenders and move. Gets down quickly to cut block despite his height. Adjusts well to outside blitzers. Willing to throw his man to the ground and keep him there. Has made significant improvement in terms of technique and strength over the past two years at left tackle.
DCRamFan - February 16, 2012
alright who's that?
I know it’s from someone else…..Who is it?
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
And why is that DB?!?
Am I not the most serious guy on this site?
DCRamFan - February 16, 2012
hehehehehe lol out loud!!
I wouldn’t have it any other way……I hope I didn’t ruin anything…Is it Pace? Kind of sounds like Smith….you wouldn’t do that would you
dbcouver - February 16, 2012
.........
I did that
DCRamFan - February 16, 2012
Didn't like that on the negatives you showed tape from the prior season.
Watching him in person these years just demonstrated a steady increase in his game. It leads me to think he’s busting his ass, and I’d expect no less when his brother is a Pro-Bowl player.
It’s a no-brainer if we keep the pick IMO. We can’t mortgage Sam’s health on Jason Smith/Rodger Saffold.
TrojanRam - February 16, 2012
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