Matt Kalil returning to USC

[augustisback003]

Even though we don't need a LT this greatly effects the Bengals draft next spring as his presence would have dropped another player at a position of need for the team.

excerpt~

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil -- currently the No. 2 prospect on ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr's Big Board -- is "set to return" to the team for his final year of eligibility, according to what a source close to the situation has told Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

An NFL scout, who'd heard a separate, but similar, rumor, revealed that Kalil's decision was a puzzling one to the scouting community. "If he does indeed return, it would be a bit surprising. He's the top offensive tackle in the country. The senior class [at offensive tackle] is a weak group. At worst, he'd be looking at a top ten pick. That fact alone would send most guys into the draft."

Kalil's decision could also have a domino effect on some other Trojans, most notably quarterback Matt Barkley. Barkley is also projected by many as a Top 10 pick, though rumors have begun to emerge that he, too, is considering a return to Lane Kiffin's team.

Furthermore, if Kalil is off the board, this provides one less option for the teams at the top of the order that need help at LT. Clearly, this is an important developing story on which to keep an eye.
NFL Rumors - NFL Trade Rumors, Free Agency Rumors and More - Rumor Central - ESPN

 

[DanBengalfan]

Finishing college is a good thing, in my opinion.

not every college athlete is eating ramen noodles 21 times a week.

 

[JohnRandle]

I hope it's just a rumor..
Looks like the Vikes will be in the #2, 3 or 4 range when they pick in the draft.
And was really hoping they would nab him up. They desperately need a left tackle, maybe their biggest need..

 

[Tubbs1518]

This was once going to be a "great" QB draft. I see Luck and RG3 being the only top 10 QB's in this draft.

 

[augustisback003]

And he's back in! This is great news for the Bengals as it will also likely affect Matt Barkley's decision and push a player who otherwise might not have been there down a spot or two.

excerpt~

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil has decided to forgo his senior season and seek entry into the 2012 NFL draft.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen first reported Kalil's decision.

Kalil, a projected top-five pick, informed Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, other staff members and teammates of his decision to turn pro. Kalil has received numerous All-American honors this year.

The 6-foot-7, 295-pound Kalil redshirted as a freshman, was backup to Charles Brown his second year and then started his final two years for the Trojans at left tackle.

In 2011, Kalil didn't allow a sack and led the USC offensive line to the lowest sack-allowed total in the country.

ESPN.com's Scouts, Inc. ranks Kalil as the No. 2 prospect in the nation at any position, behind only Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Other top tackles include Stanford's Jonathan Martin and Iowa's Riley Reiff, although most scouts have Kalil firmly ahead of them.

Kalil's brother, Ryan Kalil, was a second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2007 out of USC and signed a $49 million extension last summer that made him the highest-paid center in the NFL.

Kalil, 22, is expected to sign with Tom Condon of CAA Sports, a source told ESPNLA.com's Pedro Moura. Condon represents many of the highest-profile players in the NFL, including quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. CAA and Condon did not respond to numerous inquiries regarding Kalil.

It is unclear how Kalil's decision affects the Trojans quarterback, Matt Barkley.

Barkley has until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft. Both players said that although they will consult each other when making their respective decisions, they will not base anything off of what the other does.

Barkley hasn't given any indication as to when he will announce his decision.

USC Trojans' Matt Kalil to enter 2012 NFL draft - ESPN Los Angeles