The Minnesota Vikings surprised many by taking Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder with the 12th pick of the first round. Ponder has had trouble staying healthy and his arm strength has been questioned. The Vikes may still go the veteran route with Washington’s Donovan McNabb. There are plenty of weapons for the new Minnesota QB, and the Vikings added another taking Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph in the 2nd round. Rudolph is an every down TE and has first round talent. Minnesota picked up a potential steal in the 6th round, selecting Arkansas offensive tackle DeMarcus Love. Eventually, Love could be a nice bookend with 2009 2nd round pick Phil Loadholt. The Vikings did not ignore the defensive side of things, taking Iowa tackle Christian Ballard, who could eventually start.
Four players in the Green Bay Packers 2011 class figure to contribute long-term. Mississippi State offensive tackle Derek Sherrod is a load and should fit right in on the right side sooner than later. Last year’s number one Bryan Bulaga would move over to the left tackle slot, setting the Pack up for the next decade. As if Aaron Rodgers needed any more weapons, add Kentucky’s Randall Cobb to the mix. Cobb figures in potential wildcat formations, in the slot and returning kicks. The Packers have added Hawaii running back Alex Green to the mix as they consider searching for the back. At 6’0″ 225 with breakaway top end speed, Green only needs to learn a traditional offense, coming from the Hawaii spread. Already possessing a pair of elite tight ends, Green Bay adds another in Arkansas’ D.J.Williams. Williams is more of an H-back and could contribute in-line, in the backfield or even spread wide.
The Detroit Lions may have picked up the steal of the draft landed Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley. The thought of him lining up next to Pro Bowl rookie Ndamukong Suh is downright scary. Detroit had a real need for a corner, but Fairley was just too much of a talent to pass up at number 13. The Lions will move Suh and Fairley around, which will be quite disruptive for opposing blocking schemes. Detroit added a pair of talented skill position players for quarterback Matt Stafford. Calvin Johnson draws the double teams, which should create single coverage for Nate Burleson and second round pick Titus Young from Boise State. Young will initially run out of the slot, but will contribute immediately on special teams. The Lions had a pair of second round selections and also landed Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure. With Kevin Smith always injured, Leshoure should be the power partner along with speed back Jahvid Best.
The Chicago Bears had only five selections in the 2011 draft, but addressed both lines in a big way. Big Gabe Carimi selected in the first round, should start from day one at right tackle. Carimi is a big time run blocker with great technique. With a league leading 56 sacks allowed last season, Jay Cutler should be a happy man. To address the defensive line, the Bears picked up the strongest player in the draft, Oregon State tackle Stephen Paea. The Bears have been seeking a replacement for Tommie Harris and Paea lacks only experience from reaching prime time status. The Bears took a developmental quarterback in Nathan Enderle from Idaho. Enderle has a strong arm, but limited mobility and played against lesser competition.
Tomorrow we take a look at the NFC South
