Minnesota Vikings get a steal with Christian Ballard

Some though Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard was going to be picked in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

For the Minnesota Vikings to get him in the fourth round defines a steal. The Vikings needed a defensive tackle to replace either Pat or Kevin Williams. While Ballard isn't quite as big as either, he projects similarly to Kevin Williams.

He's a disruptive defensive tackle with a good motor. He's extremely athletic for a defensive lineman as well. He's a guy who can just make plays all over the place. Iowa lined him up at tackle and end, so he gives the Vikings some scheme flexibility. The question about him, according to some, is character and work ethic. In 2010, he was arguably Iowa's best player on a talented front four. He finished his career with 21.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.