Minnesota Vikings: 15 best first-round draft picks of all time
By Adam Carlson
12. player. Quarterback. Rice (1977). Tommy Kramer. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 60
Drafted as the eventual replacement for the legendary Fran Tarkenton, expectations were high for Tommy Kramer. When he finally got a chance to start in 1979, his first season was a bit rocky to say the least (24 interceptions in 16 games).
But the Vikings stuck with the young quarterback and in his second full season as a starter, he helped lead the team to a first place finish in the division and a spot in the playoffs.
Kramer’s best season came in 1986 when he earned his first and only Pro Bowl invitation after throwing for 3,000 yards, 24 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. The quarterback went on to start just 15 more games for Minnesota in the three years after.
In 13 seasons with the Vikings, Kramer completed 55.1 percent of his passes for 24,775 yards, 159 touchdowns, and 158 interceptions. He also ran for 531 yards and eight touchdowns.
– AP