kalil was regarded as the best offensive tackle prospect for the 2012 nfl draft. he declared for the draft on december 16. after a strong performance at the nfl combine, kalil was projected to be the no. 3 draft pick by the minnesota vikings. the vikings eventually selected kalil, but not until trading down to the no. 4 spot. they had not selected an offensive lineman in the first round since bryant mckinnie in 2002.