Pre-Draft Final Thoughts

Draft day 1 is finally here and with 15 minutes and counting until go time, we have just enough time to pump out a few final thoughts.  Here goes.

- Unless Blaine Gabbert falls to 12, the Vikings QB board tonight consists of Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, and Christian Ponder in that order.  I think they fully intend to come away with one of these players tonight.

- I think their ultimate goal is to trade down in to the 14-25 range, take Jake Locker and pick up a 3rd round pick in the process.  I doubt this happens unless a projected top 10 player falls, such as Robert Quinn or Prince Amukamara.

- If they are unable to trade, I still think they’ll take Locker at 12 unless he’s already off the board.  In this case I see Cameron Jordan, Prince Amukamara, or Robert Quinn if he’s there.

Draft Day 1 pre-grades:

A – Gabbert falls to 12 or trade down, pick up Locker and a 3rd round pick

B – Same trade down scenario, but with Dalton or Ponder

C – Quinn, Jordan or Amukamara (tonight’s about a QB right?)

D – Castonzo

F – Either Smith

Judson Coleman can be followed on Twitter @jacalope37