Kalil one of the top left tackles in the country

Originally Published: November 28, 2006

In Personnel Points, Mel Kiper looks at some of the nation's best left tackles and how they might fare in next April's draft.

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By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
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For weeks, I've been highlighting the three super blue chip left tackles in college football. Wisconsin senior Joe Thomas carries the highest grade, followed by a pair of juniors, USC's Sam Baker and Michigan's Jake Long.

But there is another highly skilled trenchman who has failed to gain the national notoriety of the top OT's, yet by the time the 2007 NFL Draft rolls around in late April, this player should hear his name called in either the first or second round.

I'm referring to USC's exceptional senior center Ryan Kalil. The 6-2�, 292 pounder has been a top flight anchor in the Pac-10 for the past three seasons. He's smart, technically sound, and has graded out as one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the nation during the latter stages of his college career.

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