Judging by some of the reactions at SB Nation's Daily Norseman, it's been common for 2011 NFL draft analysts to pooh-pooh the Minnesota Vikings draft class, especially QB Christian Ponder with the 12th pick. The Vikings were reportedly trying to trade down but ultimately stuck with Ponder as their future.
Vikings NFL Draft Grade Should Be Higher With Christian Ponder Pick
I’m actually one of the people that didn’t mind the pick. Think about it -- which of the other quarterback-needy teams have a better line-up for a rookie? SB Nation’s Daily Norseman makes the same point.
He's got Bill Musgrave to help develop him, as well as Craig Johnson. The O-line just got a shot in the arm, and will have a new, better play strategy designed for their skills. Our offense will provide him some great weapons- Visanthe Shianco, Percy Harvin, (hopefully) Sydney Rice, and now Kyle Rudolph. Oh, and some guy named Adrian Peterson to help ease the burden.
So Ponder has a couple of things going for him. First, he's likely to win the job in a competition with Joe Webb and Rhett Bomar. Second, he's got a ton of weapons offensively. Ponder has some question marks but I'm not sure that any other potential rookie quarterback would find themselves in a better situation.
Check out Daily Norseman for more on the Vikings 2011 draft class.
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