Vikings Narrow List To Morris Claiborne, Matt Kalil Or Justin Blackmon

The 2012 NFL draft is just one week away. While it seems clear that the No. 1 and No. 2 picks will be quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, respectively, the Minnesota Vikings will have the entire rest of the field of talented prospects available to them when they make the No. 3 overall selection in the first round of the draft.

Most speculation has consistently projected that the Vikings will use their pick to select offensive tackle Matt Kalil, formerly of the USC Trojans. Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press reports that Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has narrowed the team's selection down to three possible choices.

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is showing his staff three names to consider for the team's third overall pick in the NFL draft: USC left tackle Matt Kalil, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne and Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

Each player, listed as equals on the team's "big board," will be the subject of the staff's intense film evaluation over the weekend. Spielman, who has the final say on all personnel matters, hopes to decide on one of the three by Wednesday, April 25.

Each of the three candidates would add a huge benefit to a component of their team. It will boil down to whether they most need to upgrade their offensive line, their defense or their passing game.

For all news and information regarding the Minnesota Vikings, please visit Daily Norseman or head on over to SB Nation Minnesota. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.