Did the NFL Lockout Help the 2011 Rookie QB Class?

Friday morning on ESPN’s Mike and Mike, NFL analyst and former quarterbacks Ron Jaworski made an intriguing comment as to why he believes the rookie quarterback class of 2011 had so much success.

He credited the lockout.

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Christian Ponder dishes on going #12, the criticism, the lockout and his ex-girlfriend

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has a goal to be the team's week one starter when the Vikings travel to San Diego. During an interview with ESPN's Colin Cowherd Friday morning, Ponder discussed being the Vikings number one guy, the criticism of him being drafted #12, how the lockout has impacted his off season preparations and his plans to organize practices with his new Vikings teammates. And oh yeah, his ex-girlfriend too.

Below is a transcript of Ponder's responses on the Thundering Herd.

On being drafted #12 by the Minnesota Vikings:

"I wasn't too shocked. With the private conversations I had with my agent, we heard a lot of good things leading up to the week of the draft. Really wasn't sure what was going to happen, but had good idea, and had a good feel of what was going to happen. I was pretty optimistic about it and once I heard my name called at twelve...just excited. I think a lot of people were shocked by it."

On the criticism of him getting picked #12:

"I don't make anything of it. I have my own expectations for myself and the pick happened and I'm going to take full advantage of the opportunity. I know what I can do, I know what my personal feeling is and everything and I think I deserve that pick. And I'm do everything I can to make sure that no one regrets it."

On what made him move up NFL draft boards:

"I think throughout the whole process I really took advantage of each opportunity I was given, starting with the Senior Bowl. Went out and had the MVP of the game, and the whole week went well for me. Did well at the Combine, did really well at the interviews at the Combine and the private workouts and I think I really connected with all the coaching staff that came down to Florida State during a private workout after the Combine. I think the whole thing went well...and I was really comfortable with the guys. Whatever I did, obviously they liked it and I felt good about it."

On his level of concern about learning the playbook, missing OTAs -- due to the lockout:

"I can't be concerned about it, it is what it is I can't change it. But I'm taking full advantage of the opportunities right now, talking to a lot of the guys, we're setting up practices in the next couple of weeks to get together and go over stuff and put in some work. I know a lot of other teams have already gotten started, so we're kind of behind the eight ball, but I'm doing everything I can to prepare myself. My mindset is that I'm going to start by week one and do everything possible to make sure that I'll be successful against San Diego that first week."

On playing for the Vikings and not being forced to be a superstar his rookie season:

"I really don't, supporting cast around me makes my job a lot easier and it takes a lot of pressure off of me. I stepping into such a great situation and a lot of the quarterbacks that I know, that have gone to teams that are kind of rebuilding everything. I begin an opportunity where it's a team that can compete and a lot of great pieces around me and it makes me excited. Also, again, it takes a lot of pressure off me to perform. I just gotta get the ball to these guys let them do the dirty work."

On working out with teammates in Florida:

"Yeah, that's the plan. The plan is to get a bunch of guys over in Tampa. After this rookie premiere deal this week I'm heading to Bradenton, which is just south of Tampa to train and we've already talked about meeting in Tampa to get things going and working out together and get that chemistry going."

On being a high profile NFL quarterback (including pictures of your girlfriend popping up on the Internet):

"Boy, it's crazy. The worst part about it, it's actually my ex-girlfriend. There's a blog that put out this big story about her being my girlfriend, and then like, we broke up a couple of days before that and so I don't know. It's a crazy mess. Every thing's under a microscope and every move that you make is judged and not whole lot of private life, I mean, it just comes with the territory. But, it's going to be something to try and enjoy."

2011 NFL Draft: Even Technology Thinks Christian Ponder Was Drafted Too High

The Minnesota Vikings are getting thrashed in the media for taking Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Many draftniks believe the Vikings took Ponder too soon and should have used their #12 pick on Nick Fairley, Prince Amukamara or an offensive lineman.

The post-first round draft buzz has been so bad for the Vikings, even technology is slamming the Ponder pick. Deadspin.com captured a photo from the program description on AT&T U-verse digital TV. The program description is for the second round of the NFL Draft and it reads:

"Rounds 2-3 - From New York. Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett are among players expected to be available on the second day of the draft."

Meanwhile, Ponder met the Minnesota media Friday afternoon and said he expects to wear #7 with the Vikings. I guess that means the Tarvaris Jackson-era is officially over in Minnesota.

2011 NFL Draft: Is the Ponder Pick Really That Surprising? No.

It's not so much the player that's upsetting Minnesota Vikings fans this morning, it's that they used the number 12 pick to get him. As I wrote earlier this month, the Vikings needed to draft a quarterback this year and Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder was their only option.

Last night, the Vikings selected Ponder with their first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The pick took most people by surprise, but when you look at how the first round played out (with three quarterbacks taken in the top 10) and the Viking's commitment to finding their future quarterback -- it made sense.

I'm not saying Ponder was the right pick at #12, but he does fill a big need for the Vikings and they've been eyeing him for several months. Ponder, who is 23-years-old, is considered an NFL-ready quarterback with the smarts to quickly grasp a complex pro-style offense (read his full scouting report).

What I don't like about the Ponder pick is he's not a dynamic player (I would have liked to see the Vikings draft a game changing pass rusher). He lacks a big arm and his physical tools don't jump out at you. He's a finesse passer, much like Chad Pennington, who is really good in the 10-15 yard range. Ponder's also battled various arm injuries, including shoulder and elbow ailments during college.

I'm sure the Vikings were trying like mad to trade down from their #12 pick and pick-up a third rounder, but by that time there wasn't a team willing to move up. The Atlanta Falcons had already moved up to #6 to get Julio Jones and the Jacksonville Jaguars swapped with Washington to snag Blaine Gabbert at ten. The big dealings had already been done and the Vikings were stuck.

Another thing that hampered the Vikings last night was their lack of a third-round pick. We all knew about the Vikings' desire to trade back in the first round and recoup that third rounder lost in the Randy Moss trade. But if the Vikings still had that third-round pick, they may have considered moving up and drafting Gabbert (a player they coveted). Jacksonville ended up trading their #16 and #49 picks for Washington's #10 pick.

I expect the Vikings to do everything in their power to make sure Ponder is their week one starter. He's now the face of the franchise and it's his job (along with the Vikings) to prove he was the right pick at #12.

Source: Minnesota Vikings Eyeing Jake Locker and Christian Ponder

We are now exactly one month away from the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. As teams continue to do their due diligence on every available player, speculation as to where those players will land is starting to ramp up.

One of the hottest rumors going right now is Missouri's Blaine Gabbert will be a top five draft pick. He's done everything right leading up to the draft and appears headed to either Buffalo at #3, Cincinnati at #4 or Arizona at #5. This is significant because the Minnesota Vikings (a team I know very well) have shown significant interest in Gabbert. Gabbert recently dined with Vikings V.P. of Player Personal Rick Spielman and head coach Leslie Frazier. Also, Spielman flew down to Missouri to watch Gabbert - in person - multiple times last season. With news of Gabbert's pre-draft rise, the Vikings, who hold the #12 overall pick, are now in the process of changing their draft strategy.

Speculation: if Gabbert makes it to the Cleveland Browns at #6 the Vikings may make a move to trade up. This is a complete guess on my part, but considering how much interest they've shown in Gabbert, it's a safe bet discussions will be had.

Reality: Gabbert will likely be gone by #6 and the Vikings will be forced to consider another option at quarterback, which I'm told they're doing now. According to a person I consider to be a reliable source, the Vikings will look to trade back in the first round and draft in the early 20s. The Vikings are eager to pick-up more later round picks to make up for their lack of a third-round pick, which was dealt to New England in the Randy Moss deal.

According to the source, the Vikings would like to move back and take either Washington's Jake Locker or Florida State's Christian Ponder. Both are considered late first- or early second-round picks. My guess is both players will be first-round picks and once one is off the board, the other will go quickly thereafter.

The Vikings have already brought Locker in for a private workout, while Ponder is not yet scheduled to visit Minnesota.

If the Vikings can't find a first-round trade partner, look for them to take offensive tackle Tyron Smith from Southern Cal.

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Ponder

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (6'2" 220 lbs.)

Positives: He is a very accurate passer who can make all of the throws 10-15 yards. He has solid footwork and gets out from underneath center with ease. He's a strong leader with very good huddle presence. He's a smart player and student. He earned his bachelor's degree in two and a half years with a 3.7 GPA. He was named MVP of 2011 Senior Bowl.

Negatives: He has struggled throwing deep routes. Sometimes plays it too safe, settling for check downs too often. He regressed his senior season after a solid junior season. He needs to work on reading defense quicker, has a tendency to stare down receivers.

Click here to watch video of Christian Ponder

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

2011 Projected

455 yds.

3 TDs

3 INTs

With the arrival of Donovan McNabb in Minnesota, Ponder will have to wait for his opportunity to be the Vikings starter. If Ponder does get called into action earlier than expected, he finds himself in a good situation. He joins a Vikings team that has a plenty of talent already in place. Ponder has the luxury of handing the ball off to running back Adrian Peterson and throwing to wide receivers Percy Harvin and two talented tight ends in Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph from Notre Dame.