2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 12

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the Minnesota Vikings, at No. 12 overall.

Christopher Gates of DailyNorseman.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Vikings, and checking out Daily Norseman for all of your Vikings needs.

Christopher Gates explains: The Minnesota Vikings have found themselves in quite a position in this draft scenario. The top two quarterbacks are off of the board, as are the top two cornerbacks, the top two wide receivers and the top two defensive tackles. That just means that one of the deepest defensive end classes in recent memory has had its talent pushed toward Minnesota’s pick at No. 12, and with the imminent departure of Ray Edwards as soon as he gets a chance, that’s where the Vikings will focus in this scenario. The question that most of you are probably asking is, “Why didn’t you take Da’Quan Bowers in this spot?” The reason is simple: as my co-writer, Ted Glover, put it, Bowers is 280 pounds of red flags. His work ethic isn’t the greatest; from all accounts, he only had one truly productive season in college, and he’s still nursing a knee injury that has limited his off-season workouts. Is it entirely possible that the Vikings are replaying the “let’s pass on Warren Sapp for Derrick Alexander” debacle from the mid-‘90s? It’s possible... but I don’t think so.

Watt, on the other hand, has no questions about his work ethic, or his production. Measuring in at 6’6” and a shade over 290 pounds, Watt would be able to fill in most of the positions along the defensive line. He would likely immediately step into Ray Edwards’ spot at left defensive end, and could play on passing downs either on the outside or in-between Kevin Williams and Jared Allen as a tackle. In two seasons at Wisconsin, he put up 11.5 sacks and made 36 tackles for loss, and anyone that saw him in the Rose Bowl against TCU saw him at his best, as he played an outstanding game against the Horned Frogs.

Watt’s ceiling may not be as high as someone like Bowers’, or even a Cameron Jordan (who I also gave strong consideration to with this pick), but his “floor” is much higher, in my opinion, as I think Watt will be a solid player for years to come, whether it’s for Minnesota or for somebody else.

Dan Kadar reacts: This was kind of shocking with Bowers still available. As much as people want to dog on him for an occasional lack of effort, he still had a sack in every game he played in 2010. Do that in the NFL and you’re an All Pro. This isn’t to say that Watt won’t be a good NFL player. It’s just that Bowers can do everything he can a little bit better. Bowers plays stronger, gives the same scheme flexibility and is clearly a better pass rusher.

There is also some concern about Watt that his technique isn’t as sound as it should be right now. There’s plenty of detail in his scouting report, but the converted Central Michigan tight end may be a bit of a project pick for a 4-3 team. [J.J. Watt Scouting Report]