On the Clock: Minnesota Vikings

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 12^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select…

Jake Locker, QB, Washington (6’2” 231 LBS)

"Coast"

Good bye Brett Favre.  Good bye drama.  It was a good 2 years but we cannot continue to leave on these veterans that are at the end of their career.  It is too volatile of a management approach and we need to start a long term approach to the QB position before the talents of Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen go to waste.  Jake is the type of QB that can get out on the edge and make something happen.   People are comparing him to Steve Young, but he is not at that point, yet. He will need a lot of coaching and reps to get used to the position in the NFL .  This is not the ideal season to draft a QB but I know this is a long term position and need that will develop over time. I have no expectation to win this year, but to develop a QB.

I considered waiting and seeing if Christian Ponder would be there in the second but there are no guarantees that I'll be able to get a QB like "Coast".  I have a solid defense that needs a few upgrades in the defensive backfield but will wait until the later rounds or free agency to address that.  I could also use some offensive line help but again, QB is the #1 priority.

I’ll consider trading for Kevin Kolb if the Eagles lower the price but I think they are set on a first round pick plus a pick next year and that is too steep for a rebuilding team.  I’m going to look some offensive line help from a guy like Stefan Wisniewski or consider Rodney Hudson at guard. We will see how the draft goes.

Detroit is on the clock…