Minnesota Vikings rookie offensive lineman Matt Kalil has found himself hesitating at certain times during plays, which is contributing to his struggles with getting acquainted with Bill Musgrave's offense, says Tom Pelissero of 1510 ESPN.
Kalil, who was the Vikings' first round pick (fourth overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft, has been struggling with speedy defensive ends thus far in preseason play - most recently, against Larry English of the San Diego Chargers last Friday. In an interview with Pelissero, the 23-year-old rookie admitted that he gets caught thinking how the plays should be run rather than focusing on fundamentals and the task at hand.
"I think it's a hesitation," Kalil said. "From what I saw on film when I got beat for that sack, it's not a matter of me just getting beat one-on-one. It's just a matter of me not kick-stepping fast enough or thinking too much. That's what I'm talking about as far as knowing the offense well enough to where I can block a lot easier and play more efficient and faster."
Kalil and the rest of Minnesota's first-team offense will sit out the team's final preseason tune-up on Thursday vs. the Houston Texans.
For more on the Vikings, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. And, for additional pro football coverage, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.