2011 NFL Draft – Pick 12: Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

By Cory J. Bonini on April 28, 2011

The Minnesota Vikings selected Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder with the 12th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Ponder is the perfect fit for Minnesota's WCO

Fantasy analysis: Ponder to the Vikings makes a lot of sense, and the coaching staff made it clear they wanted to draft a quarterback that they believed in. Ponder has the arm strength to make all of the necessary throws and is an ideal fit for Minnesota's West Coast offense. He is working on his second Master's Degree and is a very heady player.

Fantasy owners should expect to see Ponder battle Joe Webb for the starting job this offseason. If Sidney Rice is re-signed, Ponder could have mild fantasy value as the season wears on. Relying on Adrian Peterson will be the key to his success, but AD's fantasy value could take a hit. Don't draft Ponder in single-year leagues just yet, but he is a definite stash option in full-retention keeper formats.