2014 NFL Draft: Rick Spielman Resists Quarterback Temptation

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) stands on stage with other draft hopefuls before the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings went into the 2011 draft believing they had to take a QB high no matter what.

When their turn to pick came at #12, the guy they really wanted, Jake Locker, was off the board. Rather than be patient and wait until the second round to select a QB, the Vikings over-reacted to the situation by taking Christian Ponder.

The rest is ugly, unfortunate history.

Did Rick Spielman learn from this experience?

Going into 2014, the Vikings once again needed a quarterback. Several options were available at #8 overall, including Johnny Manziel.

This time, Spielman stayed patient. He traded back one spot with Cleveland and drafted a defensive player highly coveted by Mike Zimmer, linebacker Anthony Barr.

Quarterback may still be addressed later in the draft, but Spielman this time won’t be in a position to be accused of reaching for a QB.

There will be no Ponder pick in 2014. The Vikings will go with Matt Cassel and someone they draft in a good value position.

Mike Zimmer said it best after the Anthony Barr pick. When asked about the decision to steer away from QB the coach said, “We won’t take a quarterback just to take one.”

If only Zimmer had been around in 2011 to whisper such wisdom into Spielman’s ear. The last few years might have gone very differently.

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