Notes And A Recap Of The Vikings 2011 Draft
Posted by on April 30, 2011 – 6:13 pmThe 2011 NFL Draft is officially in the books and the Vikings came away with a total of 10 players. We’ve had tons of draft coverage over the past few days and we’ve got even more coming your way soon.
Click here to go to our “Picks Page” to get all the details of whom the Vikings selected and when they selected them.
Here are a few notes to chew on for now…
– The 10 selections this year are the most since 2000, when the Vikings also chose 10 players in that draft.
– The Vikings selected 5 offensive players and 5 defensive players, with all 5 of the defensive players being selected on Saturday.
– The Vikings consummated a trade with the Cleveland Browns in the 5th round, netting the Purple a pair of 6th round picks this year. In exchange for the 5th-round pick (#150), the Vikings got the 3rd selection of the 6th round (#168 overall) and the 5th selection of the 6th round (#170).
– With the extra 6th-rounders, the Vikings picked up OT DeMarcus Love from Arkansas and S Mistral Raymond from South Florida. Love has great position flexibility and can play on either the left side or the right side and Raymond can play either CB or S.
Tags: 2011 NFL Draft
Posted in All, Mike Wobschall | 158 Comments »
By paul on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
You took a second rounder with the 12th pick in the first round?
A guy with a weak arm and a sore shoulder, run Adrian run…
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Dear Mike B,
Honey they was alotta resones fo’ the season the viks had las’ year.
By grant on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I’m so exicted to see ponder play. B-day list: His jersey.
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
we should be on here making comments to get this contract done so they will be playing football and not on their duffs
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I am giving this draft a B- but could go higher if Ponder works out. Much better than last year.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
WE NEED A SEASON — or none of this matters. Congratulations to Frazier and company– nicely done — we are Super Bowl bound.
By PAUL M. on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
IF YOU WERE GOING TO REACH SO FAR WITH YOUR PICK TO GET PONDER, THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE REACHED A BIT MORE TO GET THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE — BLAINE GABBERT — & PAID THE EXTRA COST.
By PAUL M. on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
O.K., THAT BEING OUT OF MY SYSTEM, THE NFL IS WARFARE ELEVATED TO AN ART FORM. SOMETIMES IN WAR, YOU’VE GOT TO CUT OFF THE OTHER ARMY’S SUPPLY LINE.
SOUND FAMILIAR? THINK “GREEN BAY” & HOW THEY IMMEDIATELY CUT OFF BRET FAVRE FROM US WHEN WE HAD A LEGITIMATE SHOT AT THE SUPER BOWL!! WE COULD HAVE HAD 2 GREAT SEASONS THERE — & JUST MAYBE – 2 SUPER BOWLS!
By PAUL M. on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
NOW TO THE PRESENT. WHAT WE HAVE NOW ALLOWED, IN EFFECT, IS FOR THE DETROIT LIONS TO HAVE A LEGENDARY D-LINE — WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RANK AMONGST THE BEST IN HISTORY — FOR THE NEXT DECADE!!
YOU MIGHT SAY “WE DIDN’T NEED FAIRLEY”? NOT TRUE — PAT IS AT THE END & NOONE WE HAVE HAS WHAT FAIRLEY HAS. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT TRANSITION.
By andy on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
ever since spiellman took office, all they do is draft great!! (exept for Jackson, but qb works out like less than 10% of the time). 2 rookies of the year?!! i tust em
By Nate on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I give us a C+ for the draft Ponder was a good pick so was rudolph the rest looks foggy. This years draft class was weak, I just hope ponder will be the face of the franchise and that the staff develops him. This lockout is nonsense if it wasn’t for this lockout ponder would of got on the playbook and work with harvin, rice they need time together as much as possible.
By Nate on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Ponder should get together with rice and harvin and do private workouts to get things rolling.
By andy on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
i thought there getting a free agent qb for like a year or so
By Carl K on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I wouldn’t give this draft an “A” because I don’t think we found a rookie of the year type player like AP or Percy.
I will give it a “B”. I think C. Ponder is pro ready and smart enough to learn a new system quickly. If we don’t go get a veteran free agent QB(I don’t think we need to), and Ponder gets a shot a starting, Maybe he could have a shot a rookie of the year.
Kyle Rudolph. Love the pick. Too much talent to p@ss up. He will be a solid playmaker.
C. Ballard will work his way in to the DL rotation as a rookie. Solid pick.
Some people had B. Burton as a second round pick. Griffen and C.Cook will get a shot early… but Burton is better than Lito Sheppard or Frank Walker and could push to start if Griffen and Cook can’t stay healthy.
D.Love will probably move inside and play guard. I think he beats out Herrea. I think he can be that great run blocker on the inside we need to get AP some holes. GREAT pick. Degeare will develop as Hutches replacement.
Brandon Fusco has great size at 6-4 305 for a center and I think it is time for Sully to work for his job. I don’t think Cooper makes the team this year.
Ross Holman is a productive hard worker who could push Leber and Erin Henderson for that starting OLB spot.
Raymond Mistreal, DeAundre Reed and Stephen Burton are probably just project type pl@yers that will have to really flash something special in preseason to make this team.
By PAUL M. on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
IF WE LIVE IN A VACUUM, THEN WE DRAFTED GREAT — BUT THE REALITY IS THAT WE MUST BE AWARE OF THE “BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT” AROUND US.
IF WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE OURSELVES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME BLOCKING A DIVISION RIVAL FROM PLUGGING IN IRON MAN’S NUCLEAR BATTERY, WE SHOULD HAVE DONE IT.
By Dave the vikefan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Ponder did get a playbook, ponder is also working out with harvin in Florida til the lockout is lifted
By Adrian Peterson on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
How does Peterson feel?
with a line that consists of on old slow tackle, on old declining guard, a small weak horrible 6th round center, the next gaurd is a bad free agent or one of two sixth round picks and a second round large slow over matched tackle. The only legitimate, average or better, player is Hutchinson and he is decling and coming off two not very good years?
By Games are won in the trenches on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Hey Andy, the two rookies of the year were gifts because players slid way to far; not exactly rocket science drafting those two. What about winning games in the trenches; what has he drafted for Lineman?????? And if you say Loadholt was a good draft quit writig. We have old lineman, a bunch of 6th round picks and a free agent that are suppose to block for Peterson. How is that doing the right thing in the draft??? Please respond, I want to know why not getting lineman for a stud runner and a new QB is is the correct thing to do?
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Well the coaches and draft team didn’t feel OL was a big need did they or you would see more OL picked higher. I will give them a break and say they are right. Quit your whining.
By Bob on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I think some of you have not even considered the possibility of Harvin and Peterson running behind Rudolph. He is going to be a great blocker and going to create a ton of time for Ponder and open up some big holes for Peterson and Harvin. Rudolph is going to be huge for our offense this year!
By Tom on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
The Vikings should have picked a offensive tackle for the right side which saw gaping holes all year last year, with their #12 pick as Ponder probably would have still been there in the next round since that is where he was predicted to go. Especially when their #1 QB goal was Locker, they should have solidified their O-line with Solder, Castanzo or Carimi, or an end with the name of Quinn, Kerrigan or even Fairley, Liuget or Bowers…
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
@Mike B.,
We can’t argue with your logic. It’s possible that the Vikings feel good about the offensive line.
The question is,,,WHY?
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I would have drafted a good offensive lineman in the 1st or 2nd round.
So if A.D. can’t run, and the QBs can’t pass….Don’t come cryin’ to me !
By vikingfan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I thought the Vikings had the best draft (top to bottom) since taking Adrian Peterson in 2007, and I think he may have been the only good player we took in that draft. I give it a B+. Ponder will be the best Quarterback in this class. You heard it here first. This class isn’t that great but he will be the best, likely the only starter in the league (other than MAYBE Gabbert) in 5 years from this QB class. I thought the Rudolph pick was very good, I’m a Notre Dame fan too so I especially loved that one. I like the Ballard pick. Honestly, I can’t really question any picks except for the Stephen Burton pick at 236. With Terrence Toliver out of LSU still there (to my amazement), I feel like he will be a breakout WR wherever he ends up. Watch for Toliver to be good wherever he goes. Other than that, I felt like the Vikings addressed every need with the best player available at the time. Very good draft. Now let’s get a deal done so Ponder can be the first rookie QB to win a Super Bowl.
By vikingfan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Ponder was not going to be there in the second round, so please stop saying this. It isn’t true, plus it’s irrelevant. It’s the guy they wanted and they got him. Our line isn’t as bad as everyone thinks and I’ll bet the guys we drafted will shock you. Not every good lineman is found in the first three rounds. Some of the best linemen get overlooked (i.e. Jeff Saturday of the Colts who’s probably a HoFer) in the draft.
Favre held on to the ball a lot last year, plus Musgrave is bringing a true West Coast offense with a lot of roll-outs, bootlegs and quick throws. Our line’s biggest problem last year was injury and depth. Any TRUE fan knows that. None of the guys on the line have 10 or more years experience, so I don’t know how you say they’re aging. McKinnie and Hutchinson each have two (Hutch may have three) good seasons left, we can address those issues next year.
By andy on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
you guys also have to realize the vikes are great at free agencysince ziggys been there and very aggressive in it, maybe o line guy can come from that
By vikingfan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Vikings will be good next year, probably not playoff good but right on the edge. After next year though, the Vikings will be right back to Super Bowl contender status.
By vikingfan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Very possible andy, I didn’t even think of that.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Great job to Coach Frazier and VP Rick Spielman. This quarterback could be the next Joe Montana. Awesome. We should have a formidable team very soon.
By inspired on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I thought the draft was a good one. I also like the transactions the Vikings made before the lockout signing Adrian Awasom (DE) and Emmanuel Arceneaux (WR)
The Vikings have handled the offseason very good preparing for the lockout. I have high hopes for Arceneaux, Rice, Harvin combination. Let’s just pray they get Rice resigned.
By kweaver09 on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I don’t have a problem with any of the selections, but would have liked to se the take an offensive lineman in the first 2 ounds. ill give the draft a b-
By andy on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
when are we getting rid of barrian? he blows
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
As long as we are telling people to stop saying things:
Please stop saying Ben Leber, Ray Edwards, etc., are done as Vikings.
It’s not true. Saying so is what they call LYING.
PLEASE STOP LYING.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Impossible to grade the draft at this point– it will be at least two seasons until we see the ripple effects of this draft.
By GhostRider24 on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
We will get rid of Berrian when you spell his name right.
By Thomas F on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I like the fact that we got the first Tight End chosen in the draft! Ponder will be just fine. He’s an athelete and he is smart.
By CanadianViking on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Inspired, I have seen Arceneaux play in the cfl. He is young and very athletic and had a good career there. He will do well. A lot better then Berrian.
By GhostRider24 on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Can someone tell me how Brandon Burton was available in the 5th round when he was projected to go in the 2nd? Did other teams not realize he hadn’t been taken yet? Side note: Mistral Raymond has a lot of potential. From his highlights he looks like he has really good instincts, I’m pulling for this kid.
By MN4VIKES on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
We’ve added a great deal of depth to both sides of the ball in this year’s draft! Overall, I think we have a promising future, maybe not immediatly so, but there is a lot of potential for our new coaching staff to work with. Maybe the most exciting thing about the upcoming season is the renewed emphasis on our run game. It’s possible that last year’s OL issues were an unforseen side-effect of an offensive (Childress-driven) scheme that simply used the Viking’s OL tools and talent the wrong way. Time will tell. I have full-faith in our coaching staff and the future of the Vikings. – MN4VIKES
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
It was my understanding they are not extending an offer to Ben Leber so calls into question if his services are needed any longer. I believe Ray Edwards was extended an offer before the lock out.
By dave on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
not nearly as bad as last year turned out i think ponder has a chance to be good and will have a better season than people would think but i dont think we will get super bowl this year still our DB rnt good enough wild card i think is the highest we’ll go unless we get free agents like tanard jackson or micheal huff, or even Asmougha if posible
By skolpurpleangold on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
great job in the 3rd day of the draft. They really filled alot of needs with some good player. GJ Rick and company. Alot of guys fell to us that i thought would have been gone. Great job. SKOL VIKES
By dave on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
oo and pick up some offensive lineman. that needs an upgrade too
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
The coaches have a plan to get to the Super Bowl and they know exactly what pieces to the chess game will play into that plan. This draft will prove very valuable– and last year’s was not as bad as some are saying— Gerhart is an excellent back– every game he improved– in the Redskins game he ran with power — he will be another Leroy Hoard.
By dave on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
in free agency
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
If I had to grade this draft, I would give the Vikings an A+.
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
There were a few 6.0 rated players there at the 6th and 7th round. Our fourth round pick was the best rated at the end of the 3rd round. So I cam imagine was tough to turn him down.
By dave on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
ya i agree with that but i dont like chris cook. and he has some offfield issues we should get better talent on the field if we deal with that get someone like Aqib Talib who at least does good on the field
By dave on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
ya i agree with that but i dont like chris cook. and he has some offfield issues we should get better talent on the field if we deal with that get someone like Aqib Talib who at least does good on the field. but i agree toby is pretty good and same with everson griffen
By joshK on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Robert Quinn Nick Fairley and Amukamara were on the board 1st round..
R. Moore, S. Paea w/e were there 2nd round and some great OL.
we coulda had these guys and a free agent QB and it would have been a way better year. next year was the year to reach for a QB. wasted draft.
should have waited for Ponder 2nd round and if he wasnt there take Ryan Mallet 3rd round or wait a year. bad bad bad.
and we should have drafted ahmad black 4th round really bad every round.
By joshK on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
imagine if we actually took Robert Quinn and Paea 1st and 2nd.
jared allen, kevin williams, pae, quinn. woulda coulda shoulda been nastyyyy
By viking1 on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I think it was a great draft, filled all the major needs. It feels really nice to have a QB in place in April and not have to wait until AUG. It will also be nice to have a QB under the age of 30 for once i am sick of the years of old re-treads,,,,,,,,
By Nate on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
The qb position is all about mental toughness, we will see how ponder responds to the ups and downs the only way is to let him go out there and play this season. I believe the talent on the offensive side will take the load off of ponders shoulders.
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
@Mike B.,
Since you are not a Viking, we have to assume offers or non-offers to Edwards and Leber are RUMORS.
Some people actually come on here and say since Pat W. and Edwards are gone we need D-linemen. This is what most people call…..LYING.
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
At the moment, some people, would be surprised how many of last year’s players are still owned by the Vikings. In fact, very few 2010 roster players have been traded or picked up on waivers.
So quit saying there gone!
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Those signings or not signings have been reported by almost all news networks. As far as Pat W. is concerned last I heard he wants to play at least 1 more year, which was also reported by the news networks. Refering to what is read as news isn’t lying it is a source which could be rumor or fact. Since it is from more than one source it is mostly likely based in fact, but not always. I think many here read from several souces and check where the stories are coming from.
By jackson7 on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Ponder is a good QB… people are not understanding that Ponder played with very little talent at the skill positions at FSU… to my knowledge no skill position players or o-lineman from FSU were drafted… when surrounded by good talent (Senior Bowl), he thrived… he reminds me alot of Brad Johnson… this is a sleeper pick… people gonna be surprised…
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Congratulations to Coach Frazier and VP Spielman. This quarterback may be the next Brett Favre. Nice balance on the draft — half offense and half defense.
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
TJack was on the list of not extended but also was reports way before that he was not doing well. Frazier commented just recently what QBs are on the roster and he didn’t mention TJack. Technically I don’t believe he’s been released, but was not offered a tender. Lying is a strong word, so it would need to be proved if somone was actually being deliberate about lying.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Hey Fred. We are ending a big conference tomorrow morning– had speakers from three continents, dancing performances, great music, great friendships.
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
@Titus I have to agree this was a good draft. Last year I wasn’t so sure after the drafe. I feel much better after this one. Ponder did suprise me, but since Ryan Mallet fell so far there had to be something there for teams to be avoiding him. I was actually looking forward to a Mallet pick, but he wasn’t the guy the Vikes wanted. I am ok with that. I am willing to see how he does. It will be a good competition this year.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Mike B, I am hoping the CBA mess is solved and solved soon– time moves so quickly– tomorrow is May and the mini camps usually start in about two months, give or take. Time is wasting.
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Hey Titus,
I could use one of those conferences right about now.
We may have gotten some depth, like Coach Frazier said in his presser. But we need some new starters in the offensive line, if A.D. is going to get sprung.
Maybe there is a free agent out there.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Frederick, if I apply all I learned in the past 8 sessions– wow. Dr. Mensa Otabil was there and wraps it up tomorrow.
By Frederick Jones on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
@Mike B,
I appreciate the input. But some bloggers write as if it is fact.
“Ray Edwards is gone.” That is LYING.
In the 50 year history of the Vikings, I can’t recall a year where they said, “Man we sure didn’t get who we wanted this year!” Time will tell.
By Mike B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
@Fred LOL that’s true.
By Titus on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
When I would take a class in college– first day I said I started with an A and it was up to me to maintain or lose that A. At this point in time, the draft was a complete success— in a couple years, we will see the true worth of our picks. We may find these picks work very well, with free trade pick-ups, to fit our overall strategy. Most negative people on the blogs look at one pick at a time in a vacuum, and even then, they only look at that player with one perspective or in terms of one dimension— a lot more going on here folks than eating some popcorn, wings and drinking beers while you “analyze” our organization’s choices— Remember, Frazier and company do this every day, hour upon hour– their skill set soars above all the bloggers COMBINED. They know what they are doing.
By N on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Mark Herzlich should have been drafted. The Vikes should give him a call. Just sayin’.
By MIchael on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
This draft in my opinion was a draft to find depth at key positions (primarily the lines) and get a quarterback. The vikings did that very well. 2 OL, 2 DL, 1 LB, 1 CB, 1 S, 1 TE, 1 QB, 1 WR. When you look at last year and how things went, Hutchinson and Herrara both ended on Injured reserve, Cook and Griffen both ended on Injured reserve, and Johnson and Williams both ended on Injured Reserve. We were playing with back ups. When we are healthy I believe our team will be able to come back and contend. I do like the Rudolph pick, it is like getting another target in the middle with the power to make yards after the catch.
By MIchael on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Unfortunately, for everyone who thinks we should have went defense. I am here to say that most of those picks in the first round are overevaluated and suck when the time comes to perform. Suh is a beast who was a great asset to the Lions, but there is no proof that Fairley, Quinn or the Prince are going to be successes in this league. It has been proven time and again that College players have a tough time adapting to the speed of the game in the NFL Level. I would rather get solid back ups who could potentially become starters than spend my hopes and dreams on a sure thing only to get sucked into paying tons of money for a bust.
By Nate on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
The vikes should let emmanuel arcineaux play as the slot wideout he has good size that would cause mismatches also. I would move camarillo to the 4th wideout spot. Also the vikes should consider gerhart at fullback.
By joshK on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
team full of backups wont do anything. i dont understand that statement.
vikings have a bad secondary but our main problem was keeping the Offense on the field. i see where they were going with these first 2 picks but i dont agree with them. i hope it works out or is terrible and we take Luck next year.
guna be an interesting year seems like a new beginning. wouldnt be suprised if we draft a bigtime WR next year especially if Ponder is decent. defense is gettin old lets win some games for our time is up.
By joshK on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
the suprise of the Ponder pick has faded a little bit. hes got about 10 games to Win the fans over. all the weapons should be back healthy so he should do better than 6-10. (pending Rice’s departure)
By joshK on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
one more comment lets get Moss back here. if he goes back to the Patriots it’d be hilarious…
By purplehorn on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Call me crazy, but my draft was Fairley at 12, at 43 I would have taken Mallett or Bowers. Both were first round top five in the second round. I like our fourth round pick. I would have taken Burton and Black at 150. I like Love and Fusco and the end of our draft. Hindsight is 20/20. Now let’s see if these picks of mine pan out. I think they will be just fine. Something tells me Bowers will be huge, and many teams will kick themselves for not taking him.
By Parody on May 1, 2011 | Reply
@joshK – You can’t be so short sighted. Ponder deserves a couple of years to win the fans over. Like anybody else, I hope he performs right away, but let’s try to be realistic.
Hopefully Frazier & Musgrave don’t expect too much out of him in the early games, just give him some game-management experience. He can spend all day handing off to All Day, Gerhart and Harvin a lot like Sanchez did in his first couple years.
By Vernon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Patriots dont want Moss.. And now Moss gets that fealing.. his bad attitude is just horrible, he truely is self-movitated, which isn’t bad.. but when one dwells on the what ifs’ and should ofs’ as Randy does(He feels he should of won a Super Bowl by now if not 2-3) one finds themselves making snap reactions that reflect not having a “Cool-Level” head. I would of been on board with bringing back Randy if the Vikings drafted Julio Jones.. would of been great mentor.. Now lets see if the Falcons or Bengals go after Randy to help “tutor” their newly drafted 1st round Wide-outs.. Randy at least does the teaching he’s ask to do.. He takes pride in instructing others.. I wish he was full of more of those positive type of traits. FYI Vikings dont want Moss either, burned twice equals shame on the Vikings.. burned three times… ohh man that would be beyond comprehension. Anyway my personal feelings are mixed about this draft.. I felt for the first 2 rounds the Vikings should of chosen different players to address the Defense… Nick Fairley or Prince Amukamara in the first and in the Second Rahim Moore or Da’Quan Bowers. With the infusion of young talent in the secondary and d-line I could see the Vikings growing into one of the top 5 defenses.. Yet of course the team suffers without “the franchise” QB they are looking for.. But I presume the Vikings are going after Donovan Mcnabb as soon as he’s released which begs me to point out why draft that young stud QB to warm a bench when Fairley could be sacking QBs or Amukamara could be pick-sixin’ seriously though very good pick ups to add depth with the later round picks.. also happy to see that TE selection he can learn from both Jimmy and Shanko on how to be a great blocker and catcher(respectively). Overall hard to grade now but the feeling is C+ because I add in the “insulting” 3rd round pick for Moss B.S. that Childress pulled. Thanks for reading and let’s see a League year underway!! C B A C B A C B A
By MIchael on May 1, 2011 | Reply
when I talk of back ups, I think of just our first round success. Lately we have been ok. Of course we haven’t had too many first rounds the last 6 years. 2 years without. Lets see though, troy williamson, kenechi udeze, erasmus james. Then we went Chad Greenway, Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin. The first three were huge bust, two in the same year. The last three, two of them Peterson and Harvin had issues coming into the draft which is why they fell to us. I would just like solid players, what most people call backups. Ones who come in and give 100% effort for the job they have been hired to do. I think they did a good job this weekend getting that type of talent.
By Phil Weidner on May 1, 2011 | Reply
i’m glad we got a QB, but our o-line is a joke. Should have addressed that first.
By Vernon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
PS I also think its funny that our 3rd rounder slot the Patriots got was used on Ryan Mallet.. that silly Childress trade could come back to burn the Vikings 2 times if 3 years from now they are trying to still find their “Guy” at QB and the Patriots trade Brady/Mallet to the Vikings for a First round pick!!! IT could happen… just like in the twilight zone!
By lovefavre on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Ponder threw a ball from the opponents 49 across the feild while sprinting out of bounds which floated over a defender and was caught by a reciever in stride at the goal line. Both of his feet were in the air when he released the ball too. So just give the guy a chance before you bad mouth him and his arm strength. Search “ponder arm strenght nuff said” and watch for yourself.
By vkalknwing on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Any real Vikings fan knows RG was the biggest need. We have the best RB the game has ever seen, oh well scr#w him right? Hutch the only one worth keeping. I look forward to A.P. running into a brick wall and QB sacked and hurt. Bring in the running QB and bye bye season. I’ll predict 5 wins even with easy schedule.
By MIchael on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I wouldn’t say 5 wins, I am optimistic about probably going 8-8 this year. After a year under center, I think ponder will be a much better quarterback. I hope we don’t get a Free agent to have him watch under. I am willing to have him learn through reps. It will take a couple of years to evaluate ponder. I just hope this CBA stuff gets figured out so we can start the season. Go Vikings
By animal26 on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I don’t think we should get rid of Berrian. He still has some value, so I say try and trade him somewhere between a 5-7th round draft pick, when the new CBA is completed. If we cant get anything for him, then either drop him or get him to agree to restructuring his contract.
By DrDivot on May 1, 2011 | Reply
It’s only been mentioned here maybe once, but we had one of the worst offenses in football last year. We could bolster the defense and watch them try and shut down teams for 45 min a game. They had to draft like there won’t be free agency and I think they did what they needed to stay balanced and competative. One draft can’t fix an entire team. Our D was good last year, but would have been much, much better if the O could get a first down once in a while. Farve was running scared and wouln’t release the ball. With Ponder and a time hogging offence, our D can survive another year.
By MIchael on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Looking at our team on D it is not bad at all. Kevin Williams and Jared Allen up front for sure, (with the thought of a 4 game suspension), E.J. Henderson and Chad Greenway at LB, Our biggest concern is whether the CB and Safeties can finally stay healthy and gel. Our O-Line is rough but not the worst in the league, and our offensive weapons are solid. Free agency could dig a couple of starters out but I have not been happy with our latest acquisitions like Lito Sheppard or Madieu Williams. Band-aids. Would like to see Chriss Cook stay healthy and maybe show why we drafted him so high last year.
By dprather on May 1, 2011 | Reply
i lik the draft i lik the kid raymond he looks good and could start for us a saftey
By Nick on May 1, 2011 | Reply
DeAndre McDaniel, then Ian Williams in that order – both should have been drafted in the middle rounds, get these signed ASAP.
By Loomis on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Any body who thinks Spirlman does a good job drafting is an idiot, most of our draft picks don’t even make the team. I am very jealous of the packers. they are miles ahead of us in drafting.
By wacky on May 1, 2011 | Reply
THE VIKING DRAFT GRADE= F——————————————————-
By wacky on May 1, 2011 | Reply
RICK SPEILMEN IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By wacky on May 1, 2011 | Reply
ZIGGY WIFF IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By wacky on May 1, 2011 | Reply
SCOTT STUDWELL IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By wacky on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I HOPE YOU ALL TAKE A WIFF OF THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By PURPLEHAZE on May 1, 2011 | Reply
“By vikingfan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Ponder was not going to be there in the second round, so please stop saying this. It isn’t true, plus it’s irrelevant. It’s the guy they wanted and they got him. Our line isn’t as bad as everyone thinks and I’ll bet the guys we drafted will shock you. Not every good lineman is found in the first three rounds. Some of the best linemen get overlooked (i.e. Jeff Saturday of the Colts who’s probably a HoFer) in the draft.
Favre held on to the ball a lot last year, plus Musgrave is bringing a true West Coast offense with a lot of roll-outs, bootlegs and quick throws. Our line’s biggest problem last year was injury and depth. Any TRUE fan knows that. None of the guys on the line have 10 or more years experience, so I don’t know how you say they’re aging. McKinnie and Hutchinson each have two (Hutch may have three) good seasons left, we can address those issues next year.”
Ditto. Thank you viking fan. Took the words right out of my mouth. The only thing I would add is that I’m not terribly upset that we didn’t take Fairley. Had a huge year last year but average year before and with 1 tackle and 1 sack in the bcs championship game, he was almost non-existent. He may become a great player, especially playing beside Suh and I hate that we’ll have to face them twice a year but after the initial shock of taking Ponder at #12, I’m actually pretty happy with the pick and this years draft. You’re right, Ponder would not have been there for us in the second round unless we traded down.
By stew on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Wacky you have the right name wack get off our blog!!!!
By sandiamond on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Micheal we are_good on defense now ! Veterans coming back(some will have inj or poor performance) and new rookies to fill in. They will all see playing time this year imo. Ok O-lin junkies are mad but we had no 3rd pick plus 4and 5 were too much impact def to pass by on the draft
By andy on May 1, 2011 | Reply
ponder would have NOT been there in second round! once the first qb was taken they all started to go. he would not have been there in round 2 !!!!!!!!
By dave on May 1, 2011 | Reply
JoshK it coldve been jared Allen Kevin Williams Nick Fairley and Daquan bowers that wouldve been an amazing line
By dave on May 1, 2011 | Reply
idk if ponders a great pick but if they took him that early he better be our guy and we couldve at least traded back but i agree with he wouldnt be there in the 2nd round. and the 6th round linebacker that is a great pickup i think he’ll be able to start next ear and be better than leber was
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
There are 468 College Football teams. 120 in Division I
It would be very easy to make a mistake, and sometimes you gamble a little.
Now the Vikings have the chore of finding college free agents as well as regular free agents.
There is still a chance they could fill some of the areas not covered by the draft.
By Chuckles T. Clown on May 1, 2011 | Reply
For those talking about what the vikes will do in free agency… um, hate to be the bearer of bad news… but, it prolly aint happenin… whatever the new structure becomes… it’s not gonna be the same, therefore, the Vikes may not BE ABLE to address needs in free agency… I sincerely hope we don’t get Donovan McNabb, he’s been overrated for his whole career, and isn’t getting better… our OL has been declining steadily for the past three years, and without a good OL, it doesn’t matter who is under center… If Ponder makes it on the field, he’s meat… and I don’t think the Brass in the front office want to sacrifice their precious first round pick to the wolves before he gets a chance to even learn the system… so, if he gets on the field, it will be deep into a dismal season… sort of like last season, Webb was allowed to play only after the hope for the season was gone…. Ponder is a complete non-issue this year, and if he doesn’t have a good teacher, he’ll be a non-issue for the rest of his career, talent or not… He was a collosally awful reach in the first round..
By Vikings4life on May 1, 2011 | Reply
So happy with Raymond Mistral, great pick kid is going to be great. Very sad that we had four picks in the 6th round and in our first pick we reach sooo high for ponder which is growing on me but if you reach in the first why not reach in the 6th for GREG MCELROY he is smarter than ponder a winner by definition and one day will be a superbowl winning quaterback and we have 4 picks in the 6th but we dont take him its infuriating
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Just to show fans what may be out there for college FA:
The following players were eventual full time starters (PRO BOWLERS IN Capitals)
20th Pick 1964 Milt Sunde G
13th Pick 1965 DAVE OSBORN RB
7th Pick 1967 BOBBY BRYANT CB
8th Pick 1967 John “The Beast” Beasley TE
7th Pick 1968 Oscar Reed RB
17th Pick 1968 Bob Lee QB
10th Pick 1970 Stu Voight TE
9th Pick 1972 Charles Goodrum G
9th Pick 1977 SCOTT STUDWELL LB
6th Pick 1979 JOE SENSER TE
8th Pick 1981 Wade “Whiskey” Wilson QB
7th Pick 1982 STEVE JORDAN TE
This is not a complete list, and I didn’t include AFL selections. I only looked up to 1982. I’m sure there were several more afterwards.
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
@CharlesTClown,
There are 6 former pro bowlers on the list I compiled up above. Notice I didn’t consider anyone above the 6th round ! ! !
The Vikings still have a chance to obtain some solid dbs and ols. Do not dispare!!! lol
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Actually Milt Sunde did play in the 1966 Pro Bowl.
In addition, about half of the guys on that list also played in the Super Bowl.
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Wade Wilson also played in the Pro Bowl.
You look the rest up!!!
By Mike B on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I agree with Fred here lots of schools don’t even get looked at during the draft rating time so there could be diamonds in all that ruff. Lots of schools close to MN that will have walk ons for the Viks to look at. Could get the next great player from that group. Have a Nice Day
By oops on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Fans always want low round qb’s look how many we drafted among the years past. I don’t mind the ponder pick watch him shut up the nay sayers than they will just go back in the board room and just praise him like nothing happened.
By oops on May 1, 2011 | Reply
your going to compare ponder to mcelroy get serious the kid looks like he’s 70 pounds and doesn’t look like a leader.
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
@Mike B.,
Stu “Chainsaw” Voight is an example of what you talked about.
Voight was a halfback/tight end on 3 of the worst Wisconsin Badger teams of all time. The Vikings grabbed him with the 10th pick. He went on to start at tight end for the Vikings for about six years, and spent his entire career in Minnesota.
By Elgar on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I’m more than proud that we told Jerry Jones to stick his stinking first round draft pick where the sun never shines. Giving in to highway robbery only earns you no respect in future dealings. Ponder was made to run a West-Coast-style offense. You don’t win auto races by buying some fancy parts that do not in fact fit the type of car that you own. Kudos, Mr. Spielman.
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
@Mike B.,
Another one I missed was Grady Alderman. He was picked in the 10th round by the Browns in 1960. He went on to play in SIX PRO BOWLS for the Vikings.
There are so many examples of over-looked players at every position, it’s not even funny.
By greedyvike on May 1, 2011 | Reply
so i would like some feedback on this…at first i was against ponder, but hes actually a great player..but my question is this. besides having a few injuries, the only thing people are sayin about him is that he has a weak arm…but i saw a highlight of him throwing 50 yards easy for a touch down on the run and on his back foot..id say thats not very weak… i think he could be a franchise QB forsure
By Rudolphisbeast on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I hope the vikings use rudolph and put him on the field everywhere to make plays I’m telling you he will cause matchup problems if used a lot. The staff better use him he reminds me of todd heap get him involved, tired of the vikings staff saving players they draft years past.
By Rudolphisbeast on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Ponder to rudolph screen runs 55 yards for a td, in the season opener.
By Daniel on May 1, 2011 | Reply
To all of the Vikings fans who do not agree with this years draft, with should have done this or that. I for one am Thankful to have such a great group of staff that selected a great group of players. I like every one of these selections. Ponder, as people will see will not turn out to be a reach but a revelation.
By MIchael on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Here are some Undrafted players I hope that the Vikings will get a chance to sign when the CBA happens.
WR
Dane Sanzenbacher Ohio State
Ricardo Lockette Fort Valley State
OL
Byron Bell New Mexico
MIke Berry Auburn
Alex Linnenkohl Oregon State
DL
Justin Trattou Florida
John Graves Virginia Tech
LB
Derrell Smith Syracuse
Mark Herzlich Boston College
Adrian Moten Maryland
DB
Jeron Johnson Boise State
Winston Venable Boise State
David Sims Iowa State
I can’t believe some of these players are still available
By Rudolphisbeast on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I wonder what happened to ian johnson his dream was short lived poor kid most the ones drafted still have to work there tails off or else they won’t make it nothing is guaranteed in the nfl you have to be a competitor and get your hours in that is why I give these nfl players credit they work hard our lose there job its a lot of pressure in this business.
By TWR on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I can’t believe all the negative BS. Ponder is a great pick. Nick Fairly is way over rated. We will get a O-lineman in free agentcy.The pass rush has to improve and we will be going after the X Raider for D-back. So don’t bad mouth this draft yet. There is more to come.
GGGGGOOOOOOO VIKKKKEEEESSSS
By Vikings4life on May 1, 2011 | Reply
haha i love that “doesnt look like a leader” tell me what does a leader look like, cause that kid won a national championship and a state championship so you seem like you know what your alking about OOPS
By Vikings4life on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Mcelroy that is im talking about and was the player of the year when he was a senior in highschool. but yea your right not a leader he just got lucky on two different levels.
By TWR on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Oh one more thing. Wacky get off and stay, Your a Fudge Packer Fan
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Maybe Marcus Sherels will save the day by being another Bobby Bryant at the CB position.
By Frederick Jones on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Ryan Bartholomew was the strongest man in college football last year.
And he was the fastest offensive lineman. 40 yd dash, bench, squat.
Apparently these are trivial traits for an offensive lineman.
By VIKINGS/HEAT/SHARKS on May 1, 2011 | Reply
i hope c.ponder wares number #1 let’s go vikings….
By oops on May 1, 2011 | Reply
You would rather pick mcelroy than ponder enough said I’m sure you have to be kidding.
By lee on May 1, 2011 | Reply
you people need to stfu with the “What ifs..” its getting really old! it is what it is, we already have our players, now we just have to have faith and see how well they do!
By OLD SCHOOL on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Titus….SUPER BOWL BOUND…….???????????????
GET OFF THIS SITE…YOUR A TARD!
By Parody on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I just hope our guys give Herzlich serious consideration in free agency. He could be the next John Randle (undrafted Hall of Famer). The Vikings would be extremely lucky to get him on their roster.
By danny on May 1, 2011 | Reply
i have to agree with lee every one needs a little more faith stop hating on that draft you anit no professional i trust rick speiman and frazier they know what there doing. rick speimen has had drafted great players b4 like peterson, greenway, harvin,rice, it goes on and on so lets have some faith here in the vikings organsazing and trust what they are doing because they have done it b4.
and if you are hating on ponder then go on youtube and check him out. he was senior bowl mvp great qb cant wait to check him out. its even better that they gave him a 6.6 top te kyle rudolph to throw to great pick. cant wait go vikings
By Titus on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Hey Old School– I am copying and pasting your recent post to prove your moronic origins:
Titus….SUPER BOWL BOUND…….???????????????
GET OFF THIS SITE…YOUR A TARD!
Pal– YOUR is a possessive pronoun and does not belong in your phrase– YOU’RE is a contraction of you and are– that is what you wanted– Basic, fifth grade English– so who is the T—D? I won’t even repeat your lack of tact in word choice.
By Titus on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Yes, we are Super Bowl bound. That is our aim and we will reach our goals. I never said when we would achieve this goal– so Old School, please, get off the blog if you are not on the mission to get to a Super Bowl. Perhaps you are a Packer or Bear fan. Probably a Packer fan.
By Ponder This! on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Extremely excited with our first round pick. Heck, I’m excited with all our picks but Ponder is going to be great, just you watch.
So from now on, Ricefield is Ponder This!
By Carl K on May 1, 2011 | Reply
@Parody – Great story with Herzlich and and his battle with cancer. I was hoping the Vikings would take a late round chance on him. He is a great talent and was on this way to being a first round pick before the cancer.
Herzlich has the heart of a champion. Just the fact that he can still play football at such a high level is amazing!!!!
By PonderPower on May 1, 2011 | Reply
We don’t need a veteren free agent QB. Ponder is a smart game manager. If Sanchez can make the jump to the NFL as a rookie starter, so can Ponder.
By gary hinsch on May 1, 2011 | Reply
vike fan for life,and bleed purple.
By gary hinsch on May 1, 2011 | Reply
bleed purple for life.
By apeman on May 1, 2011 | Reply
bleed purple for life’
By apeman on May 1, 2011 | Reply
give the ball to ponder coach him up, and build around him. but please please please no mcnabb. we don’t need the all about me attitude mentoring our young impressionable qb!
By joshK on May 1, 2011 | Reply
we cant afford Asomewah. probly not even if we cut Berrian
By Bill on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Did DJK get drafted anywhere?
By apeman on May 1, 2011 | Reply
thank god the draft was left up to the pros; spielman, frazer, musgrave, and all the other coaches, scouts and staff, and mostly to ziggy for bringing these talented professionals to build our vikes for the future. because if it was left up to most of you doughters out there, from what i’m reading, ziggy would have to put the team uo for sale within the comming year!
By danny on May 1, 2011 | Reply
the vikings need to sign a top db like Asomewah we can afford him if we cut berrian, m.williams,lito,and i hate to say this even edwards. adden a top db as in asomewah would really help us alot
By ripteflon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
all i know is ponder throws like a girl and before the end of the season both frazier and ponder will be sitting at home eating chili
By Stoney on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Ponder doesn’t have a rifle, but he has a good arm, he can make all the throws. Please stop saying we could have got him in the 2nd rd. he would have been gone.
By ripteflon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
and to all u people making names with ponder in it u have something on ur mouth
By ripteflon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
oh and get off ur knees
By ripteflon on May 1, 2011 | Reply
they pick players with darts no reason we have no rings
By OLD SCHOOL on May 2, 2011 | Reply
Titus is a Turd !
Dingle Berry !
“Are mission is a SuperBowl”….Blah…Blah….Blah……..
Sir……we will finish last in our Division for years to come Sir!
We have no “D” ………our secondary will get tourched by the “O” that we will face! THEY WILL GET KILLED!
By eazye_84 on May 2, 2011 | Reply
Ponder was a great pick. He played in a pro style offense, he’s smart, not the greatest arm but solid and he can make all the throws. His skill set fits the offense we are going to run. We tried trading down but no one wanted to trade with us. Ponder would have definitely been gone by the 2nd round.
By 4eversteve on May 2, 2011 | Reply
I like what the Vikings did in this draft , the linebacker out if Ohio State Ross Homan will be a stud and take over for Leber. He was the strongest LB in the draft with 32 reps at 225 lbs. probably the smartest also he was responsible getting everyone line up in that Ohio State defense. He absolutely was a steal in the 6th round for Vikings.
By 4eversteve on May 2, 2011 | Reply
What I like about Ponder is people are underestimating his arm strength he was just starting to get healthy around the Senior Bowl this year. He is very smart and as already pointed out by several posters on here he wouldn’t have been available to us . Many speculate the Washington Redskins would have taken him at 15 or 16 which ever the Jags had before making the trade with he Skins.
By ripteflon on May 2, 2011 | Reply
every1 keeps saying ponder would have been gone so he suxxxxx didnt take his college team to any championships was injured easy what a puss
By apeman on May 2, 2011 | Reply
i’m tired of all you great football minds saying, we should have waited until the second round to get ponder! when locker went to the titans at 8 ahead of gabbert, and with only 4 or 5 fairly solid qb’s available, and 6 or 7 teams needing qb’s, and now gabbert goes to the jags at 10. Hmmmmm! now we are down to just one qb with all the tools and no issues left. “Ponder” ! both the dolphins and redskins wanted him at 15 and 16. that doesnt sound like anything even close to the second round to me.
By blue on May 5, 2011 | Reply
Did you know that defence wins more super Bowls than offence thats why Nick Fairly was a much better choice. Good Quarterbacks come 3rd 4th and later rounds The lions had to love it that the Vikings were stupid enough to leave Nick Fairly on the table. Now you know why ESPN rated Vikings draft a big D
By echo on May 30, 2011 | Reply
Wool, it is done now. What is the principle for choosing them?
By Spencer on Apr 5, 2012 | Reply
By OTKalil2012 on Apr 5, 2012 | Reply
Jeffery gets no separation…And that is at the college level…Pro CB’s will eat Alshon alive !!…
——————————————————————————————–
Larry Fitzgerald’s 2004 Draft Analysis.
“Does not get deep separation or a receiver that wins out in foot races. Lacks the quick explosive route running skills.”