Vikes Draft: Your Predictions....

[zepman]

+1 Rick!!

[james_walleye]

Someone posted in another thread, the next seasons qb thread, a totally different perspective of Matt Ryan that will back me up. You pointed out one viewpoint Rick. Not everyone was in love with Ryan. He had his critics. Locker has his critics. The critics of both are pointing out some of the same issues with both.

[FutbolGuru]

It sounds like the reasoning behind Locker's accuracy struggle has been his footwork and mechanics. Gruden praised the kid as an exceptionally hardworking/smart individual who he forsees 'getting it right'. I'm not overly excited about Locker or Dalton, but it sounds like these are the guys we have to chose from (assuming we draft at 12 and don't trade down); of the two, I'd assume any NFL team would take the 235lb guy who ran a 4.59 at the combine (Locker) vs the other (Dalton). Plus dalton has red hair, just sayin lol.

Bottom line - please don't take one of these guys at the 12 hole, Vikes.

[goblueM]

Just 3 years ago critics said the same of Matt Ryan....

he had a 60% career completion rate, compared to Locker's career rate of 53.9%

I'm sure you could find a few opinions supporting yours pretty much anywhere on the internet, but the bulk of respected analysts were not terribly concerned with Ryan's accuracy

In addition to the completion %'s listed above by notable busts, also consider Joey Harrington (54.7%) and Tavaris Jackson (54%)

Anything below 57-58% is a pretty big red flag, depending on their surrounding talent level and system

[hawgchaser]

The CBA thing really messes up the Vikes usual M.O. since they can't trade their picks for a Randy Moss type player for a couple games. Maybe they should just sell their picks and put a bid in on Herschel Walker for a second trip around...he says he could play...that should be good enough for the Vikes management. I'm sure he'd fetch far less than $14 million.

[soldoncass]

There are SOOOOOOOOOOO MANY things that go into completion %, I think it is over analyzed. For instance: the OL has to give the QB time, the WR has to get separation from DB, THEN the QB has to anticipate where the receiver will be, throw the ball in a good spot,and HOPE the receiver will catch it. The completion % should be a TEAM %, NOT a QB %.

In Lockers case he was NOT on a good team, so it would naturally be lower. Like I wrote in another thread.....Locker's skill set remind me of Steve Young, and it took Young 6 years to be an all-pro. The other "old timer" I hear him compared to is Favre.....not a bad comparison, either....but it took Favre several years to be decent also. It will take several years to see how good any of them can be.

[zepman]

You are making (multiple)excuses for a player that you like...the #'s don't lie.

[soldoncass]

I'm NOT making excuses for anyone.....just pointing out facts.(some of the posts on here don't look at FACTS, only accusations and inuendoes). Every QB in this draft has "issues"....INCLUDING Gabbert and Newton....so it just depends on what qualities a team is looking for. Myself, I have a few I DO NOT LIKE (Gabbert, Newton, Koepernick).....the next 5-7 Qb's on the list, I think have possibilities. Every one will need time.....patience....training.

[zepman]

I agree...but a #1 q-back prospect should not have two paragraphs written to apologize and explain for his lack of production and just so-so numbers.

[goblueM]

as a Lions fan I really hope the Vikings take Locker. 'nuf said

[james_walleye]

What is it he had done before this year that a year ago he would have been the number 1 pick in the draft? Must have done something right? If someone would have said a year ago that locker would be a Viking somehow in 2011, we all would have jumped on it. Are we suppose to take what you say with a grain of salt? You are still calling for mallet at 12 even though some people out there are saying he still might be around in the 3rd round......

[james_walleye]

iIf your instincts are like the lions last 10 years draftpicks.....I think I'll take locker to Haha. Just joking, the lions are headed in the right direction.

[goblueM]

lets be honest, all we had to do is get rid of Millen. if he'd let the fans vote on the draft picks we'd probably be far better off by now!

I think the Vikes should take a DE like Smith or Watt, or if somehow Amukamara falls take him

[james_walleye]

Ya I'm a bit torn. It's not the year to be looking for a qb. But sooner or later they have to stick their neck out. There are concerns with all of them. If they can drop down and get a 2nd or 3rd rounder back I think thats a good play. I would certainly be more comfortable dropping back and still getting Locker. Or maybe you drop back, get the extra pick, and grab a qb at 43. I'm also sure with the qb names out there, that some of these guys will slide to the 3rd if you could somehow aquire a 3rd rounder. But I'm pretty sure they are resigned to take one up high somewhere.

[zepman]

I'd love to see Mallet in purple in the 3rd round...what a great scenario that would be. I've been under the impression the Vikes are looking to take a QB early...that means 1st round to me. Mallet, IMO, is the best pure QB out there so that's why I've been on his bandwagon from the beginning. I could care less where or when they get him.

I have nothing against Locker...I've just seen enough passes off the mark the last 4 years from TJack to just say thanks...no thanks.

Lockers intangibles mean nothing holding a clip-board.

[zepman]

I also predict Dalton AND Ponder go in the 1st.

[james_walleye]

I don't agree. I don't see a run on qbs in the first round. I think you will see some if theses guys slide back further than you think. It happens every year with these 2nd tier guys.

[zepman]

I think New England with multiple 1st round picks and another late 1st rounder...possibly someone trading into from the 2nd...will allow this to happen.

Just a prediction....

[james_walleye]

I think the vikings, if they want, will have options at qb in the 2nd round. I have a sneaking suspicion you will see the vikrs trade back, and I mean way back, like out if the first round completely.

[zepman]

The draft party at Winter Park would charge the stage if they did that again this year...that being said, I could see them doing this too.

For all we know, the Vikes have a wink/wink deal with Kolb, Palmer, Hasselback or someone else to sign in FA when they're able to actually sign someone. If that's the case, then this could definately happen to gain those extra picks to make this happen.

[Scott K]

I would be very surprised if either McNabb, or Young wasnt on the Vikings team next year. I dont see any QB that would fall to us, that would make a difference this year anyhow. We have to many other needs on this team to stretch on a so so QB. I think the Vikes will take Prince if he is still their, if not, they will be taking the best remaining defensive linemen. With the second pick, I think they should go after offensive linemen. There are some very good O-linemen in the draft, and are deep, but I dont think they should wait til the 4th to get one.

I dont like McNabb, and I am not sold on Young, but I think either of them will be better then what we would be able to draft this year, without trading up, inwhich we would never do. So instead of reaching for a rookie QB, take one of the mediocre free agents, and get the best needed positions filled now. Worry about the QB in next years draft, when there will hopefully be better options available, and if we tank, we can get Luck

[james_walleye]

I don't think they intend on drafting a qb and throwing him into the fire this year. I fully expect a qb before the 2nd round is done as well as bringing in a vet for this next season.

[Born2Fish]

How about trading UP and grabbing someone like Dareus or Peterson? Peterson would be impact right away, then go sign Asomugha and slip Winfield to safety! Shore up our defense in the first and go after a QB like Ponder or Mallett in the other rounds.

[Nydds]

Like it or hate it Christian Ponder will be a Viking.

[archerystud]

Need to address the o-line first so that a highly drafted QB doesn't get killed back there. THEN you can draft a QB