The St. Louis Rams may be one of the biggest unknowns heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. The team has been projected to take either WR Justin Blackmon or OT Matt Kalil, but also has been rumored to be looking to trade their No. 2 overall pick.
On Friday, the Rams got a chance to better know one of their top targets, Matt Kalil, the top lineman prospect in the 2012 draft, as he spoke to the press as a part of the 2012 NFL Combine press conference (audio below).
In Kalil's interview, he made no illusions about his draft status:
I would definitely say I am the best tackle in the draft. You know, especially at my position... confidence is a big part of your game.
Kalil also said he learned patience during his time with the USC Trojans, where the high level of talent meant he had to fight for a starting role despite his pedigree. He says the experience will help him as he transitions into an NFL career:
Whatever team I go to, I'm going to fight my butt off to earn a spot, and definitely excel at that position and hopefully be there for the rest of my career.
The 6'6" and 306 lbs. lineman also hopes to gain weight heading into the 2012 NFL season. With the average weight of the lineman at the 2012 NFL Combine weighing about 10 pounds heavier than Kalil, his desire to gain weight likely pleases a number of the NLF scouts.
Matt Kalil also spoke extensively about his brother, Carolina Panthers lineman Ryan Kalil, and his father, former Buffalo Bills draft pick Frank Kalil, two key advisers during his transition to the NFL.
Here is a copy of the complete audio, presented as a courtesy from @MockingTheDraft.
For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.