Update: Kalil told Scout.com him returning is purely a rumor.
2012 NFL Draft: Matt Kalil returning to USC weakens already poor draft
There is a report today from Rob Rang of NFL Draft Scout that Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil is set to return to school.
It should be noted that no other media outlet has followed this story yet. Kalil has until Jan. 15 to make his decision, so this report has plenty of time to go back and forth.
But if he chooses not to enter the 2012 NFL Draft, it greatly weakens an already poor class. That’s considering both the offensive tackle class individually and the draft as a whole.
The senior class of tackles is as poor as its been in several years. There are also concerns that the next two juniors – Jonathan Martin of Stanford and Riley Reiff of Iowa – may not be suitable for the left side at the next level.
Then there is the concern about the affect this would have on Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley, also a junior. Throughout much of the draft talk, it's been bandied about that Barkley and Kalil are a package deal. If one comes out, the other will, and vice versa.
The idea on returning is that USC could make a charge at a national title next season when the Trojans when NCAA sanctions are lifted. But ss much as going to a bowl could be a factor, Kalil also may want to finish his degree. Kalil is on schedule to graduate next fall. Barkley can graduate at the end of this semester.
If the report about Kalil is true, as is the package deal with Barkley, we could be looking at a draft class similar to that of 2009. That draft featured a great quarterback prospect at the top (Matt Stafford) and players like Jason Smith, Tyson Jackson and Aaron Curry as top five picks.
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