Well, the Vikings signed off on the 2011 draft with the selection of West Texas A&M WR Stephen Burton with the 33rd pick of the 7th round. I had never heard of West Texas A&M or Burton. I had to read up on the kid. Big, fast receiver with return skills. All teams look for those. We'll see how he does.
Here is the Minnesota Vikings 2011 draft class:
Rd 1 Christian Ponder QB Florida St
2 Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
4 Christian Ballard DT Iowa
5 Brandon Burton CB Utah
6a DeMarkus Love OL Arkansas
6b Mistral Raymond S S. Florida
6c Brando Fusco C Slippery Rock
6d Ross Holman LB Ohio St
7a D'Aundre Reed DE Arizona
7b Stephen Burton WR West Texas A&M
The success of this draft is dependent on the development of Chistian Ponder. Even if the remaining nine players make an impact, this draft will be a failure if Ponder doesn't. It's the nature of the QB position. The Vikings came into this draft handicapped. They had to come away with a QB, a good one. That need limits flexibility which is usually key to successful drafting. Not having a 3rd was brutal. It's difficult to go an entire round without a choice. 3rd round picks are also key bargaining chips in trades. It just limits the flexibility even more. Going into the draft, I felt that QB, offensive line and defensive secondary were the Vikings greatest needs. They covered those needs. I was hoping for the line help earlier, preferably in the 2nd, but Kyle Rudolph was tough to pass. He could be a star. The Vikings waited until the 6th for the line help, and they did well. Fusco could start this year. Love adds depth now, and could be the eventual replacement for Steve Hutchinson. I hope that is not for a while. Ballard and Brandon Burton should provide immediate help in certain defensive situations. Both Burtons, Raymond and Homan could make an impact on special teams. Homan has a real shot at LB with the possible, and unfortunate, departure of Ben Leber. Raymond should be in the mix at safety. He'll have to beat out Eric Frampton. Raymond's experience at corner could give him the edge. Reed may have the longest odds, but with the likely departure of Ray Edwards the door may be open. I see Ponder, Rudolph, Ballard, Brandon Burton and Fusco making immediate contributions. Again, the draft depends on Ponder. I really hope that he is allowed to start. Smart guy, with the mental makeup to deal with the rocky road of a rookie QB. There are rumors of Donovan McNabb coming in. I would hate that. I have had enough of the stop gaps. Watching McNabb hack his way through the season with the Redskins didn't look a whole lot different than a rookie. I really like this draft, but the real judgement is a few years away.
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