How Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings Could Shake Up the 2011 NFL Draft

ProFootballTalk, as well as Mike Jones of the Washington Post, are reporting that the Minnesota Vikings are interested in trading for Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb once the NFL's labor situation is resolved.

What does this mean for the 2011 NFL draft?

A lot.

What it means for Minnesota?

Let's assume for a moment that the Vikings trade for McNabb.

The going rate for a 34-year-old quarterback with no future on his current team is pretty low. Throw in McNabb's salary and the deal becomes almost paralyzing if he does not agree to restructure his contract, something the Vikings would most definitely make him do as part of the deal.

For argument's sake, we will project the Vikings to give up a conditional fifth-round pick in 2012 for McNabb, with escalator clauses for playing time, playoff appearances and MVP awards. That's a pretty fair deal for both teams.

With McNabb at the helm for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, at a minimum, the Vikings can continue to develop quarterback Joe Webb as his backup and use the No. 12 pick overall on a much needed cornerback or defensive end.

What does it mean for Washington?

With McNabb on his way out of town, the Redskins have to address their need at quarterback. Unless you really think they will start the season with Rex Grossman under center.

The Redskins are short on early draft picks this season due to trades, with only two selections in the top 140. For Washington to find their quarterback of the future, they need to either reach for a quarterback at No. 10 (both Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker have been linked to the Redskins) or try and move up for Blaine Gabbert of Missouri, a player they are reportedly in love with.

Washington is put in a position now to reach for a player in Round 1, or try and package additional future selections to move up from pick No. 10.

For Washington, they have backed themselves into a corner with no clear or easy solution.