NFL Draft 2011 Grades: The Minnesota Vikings Surprise, Select Christian Ponder

In what was expected to be the most quarterback-friendly first round of an NFL Draft since 1999, four QBs were taken in the first 12 picks of the 2011 NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings surprised many, choosing Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder with the 12th overall selection.

"It's great to be a Minnesota Viking!" Ponder tweeted after being selected by the Vikes.

Because of some durability issues and a lack of great arm strength, Ponder, the Senior Bowl MVP, was widely considered a late first-round, maybe even second-round pick.

I myself felt it was a reach for the Vikes to take him at No. 12.

Nevertheless, the team immediately addressed perhaps the greatest need (one of many) at the most important position on their roster by grabbing a player for whom they obviously had a high regard.

I knew the Vikings were looking for a young quarterback for new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to develop, and Ponder has all the intangibles necessary to be a starter in the NFL. I can see him initially thriving as a game-manager in a Minnesota offense predicated on running the football with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart.

It just might work.

I'm not giving the keys to Ponder just yet though. The Vikings could still pursue Donovan McNabb or another free-agent veteran signal-caller. And Joe Webb, as an athlete, will have a place on this team. But it looks as though the West Coast style offense the Vikings will run could cater well to Ponder's strengths.

Apparently the Vikings were not able to trade back to get Ponder at a later position in the first round. So they pulled the trigger early and got a talented, coachable quarterback to hopefully lead their team for many years to come.