Should Vikings Just Draft Mike Pouncey at 12?

Most everyone knows of the Pouncey Twins – Maurkice & Mike – who played at the University of Florida at both guard and center. Maurkice entered the draft last year to be picked 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike is available for pickings next weekend where he likely to be selected in the mid-to-late first round.

Over the last couple of weeks there have been rumors floating that the Vikings have been “kicking themselves” for missing out on Maurkice Pouncey in last years draft. Maurkice was long gone when the Vikings were on the clock at 30, but in hindsight we could have traded up. Still Mike is likely to be available at 12 and it’s expected the Vikings will give a long hard look at the Florida center.

Pundits will argue that Minnesota needs to draft a quarterback at 12 and quit going with veteran stopgap options. Still regardless of who is behind center it won’t matter if the offensive line doesn’t drastically improve from 2010. This is the same division that has two of the best young defensive tackles in the game in BJ Raji and Ndamukong Suh both of whom absolutely abused John Sullivan last year.

And then there’s the argument that 12 is too high to draft a center and the only offensive linemen worth taking in the first round are those that could protect a quarterback’s blindside. Valid argument? Absolutely. But if you’re convinced Mike Pouncey can mirror the success of his identical twin brother Maurkice (who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and was named Second Team All-Pro) to be penciled in as a starter for the next decade… Is it really a reach to draft that guy at any point? Anyone who can help our next QB sleep better on Saturday nights and clear holes for Adrian Peterson seems like a worthy investment.

Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig