Despite finishing the 2011 season with a 3-13 record, the Minnesota Vikings should go into the 2012 NFL Draft in a position of advantage.
With Christian Ponder in place, Vikings have options in NFL Draft
Today, starting quarterback Christian Ponder said on the Dan Patrick Show that he was assured Tuesday the team wouldn't draft a quarterback. Unless that's smokescreen by new general manager Rick Spielman, it means the team won't be taking Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
It also means the Vikings have more options with the third overall pick. If the St. Louis Rams draft Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil, the Vikings will be prime trade partners for anyone wanting to leapfrog the Cleveland Browns to take Griffin. That could give the Vikings numerous picks, to help fill their needs along the offensive line and the defensive backfield. The worst case scenario would be the Rams trade the second pick to a Griffin-wanting team and the Vikings get Kalil.
Ponder is coming off a solid, but at times shaky rookie season. He finished the year completing 54.3 percent of his passes for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 12th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft replaced Donovan McNabb in the seventh game of the season.
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