Minnesota Vikings: Still Ponder-ing The Pick

The 2015 NFL Draft is one day away, and each player is going to get the chance to walk across the big stage and hold up that jersey showing that they’ve made it. It’s every kids dream to make it to the pros, and once they do, it’ll be the best day of their lives.

While it may be the best day of their lives, not every pick turns out to be what they hope to be. Whether it’s being just average, below average, or absolutely terrible; some don’t reach the ceiling as high as it’s placed.

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The Minnesota Vikings are more than likely all set with their decision at No.11, and since we’ve taken a look at all of the options on who they could acquire, we venture into the past rather than the future.

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

Christian Ponder

(7) passes against the Oakland Raiders in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

In 2011, the Minnesota Vikings decided to select quarterback Christian Ponder; the 23 year old out of Florida State. At the time, this may have seemed like an okay choice. Considering that in 2010, Brett Favre was the quarterback and was on his way out, or at least we thought he was two times before that.

Ponder was the fourth quarterback taken in the 2011 draft at the 12th pick overall, and only one of those quarterbacks have been a Pro Bowler. Cam Newton.

In his time at Florida State, Ponder wasn’t nearly impressive enough to be selected 12th overall. His junior year would be the only argument to that statement, though. He got injured against Clemson, but in nine games, Ponder threw for 2,717 yards, which was already more yards than he had in 12 games the following season.

However, he was very accurate. In that unfinished 2009 season, Ponder completed 68.8 percent of his passes, which led the ACC in passing average per game. His final season in 2010, he completed 61.5 percent of his throws. Accuracy can only lead you so far, though; Ponder never threw more than 20 touchdowns in one season.

His size probably had a partial amount in being drafted by the Vikings, being 6-foot-2 and weighing 229 pounds, he’s a perfect size for an NFL quarterback.

Moving onto his Minnesota Viking days, Ponder was never really a stud. His rookie season started out strong. In his first career start and pass attempt as a starter, Ponder hit Michael Jenkins with a play-action 72-yard bomb. He finished out the game going 13-of-32 for 219 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

With such a solid start, it looked as if things could only climb for Ponder.

Wrong.

Ponder, and the Vikings would continue to struggle throughout the rest of the year. As the team finished 3-13, Ponder wasn’t successful either. Throwing for a total of 1,853 yards, and tossing the same amount of touchdowns as interceptions with 13, it wasn’t quite the ideal start for a proclaimed “franchise” quarterback.

Though his rookie season wasn’t great, maybe he’d breakout for a stellar sophomore season, right? Nope, Ponder improved a tiny amount, but not much. Yes, he did help bring the Vikings to the playoffs that year and had a few good games, but didn’t have a breakout season. He started all 16 games and threw for 2,935 yards and added 18 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions in the 2012 season. After all, Adrian Peterson did most of the work that season anyway with his amazing comeback season.

The following season, Ponder went into it as the starting quarterback, his last season as starter. His starting role that season quickly changed after having to compete with Matt Cassel for the job. After battling him and Josh Freeman (if you even want to count him) for the job, it ended up going to Cassel.

Cassel, who had an overall record of 3-3 as the starter, threw for 1,807 yards, while adding points to the scoreboard with 11 touchdowns. Ponder would be given a second chance at the staring job in week eight against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, Ponder played very well. Completing 70 percent of his passes (21/30) with 233 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately for him, Cassel took over again at starting quarterback. Ponders season would come to an end in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears, where he went down with a concussion.

Then, going into the 2014 season, the Vikings knew they had to draft yet another quarterback. During the draft, they managed to move up and get two first round selections. The first being linebacker Anthony Barr, and the second being Teddy Bridgewater. Does that name ring a bell?

Of course it does, because Bridgewater is now the new franchise, and future quarterback for the Vikings. Ponder was left in the dust by Cassel in 2013, then Bridgewater in 2014. His future with the Vikings seemed unlikely and sure enough, he’s gone now. Ponder is now on the Oakland Raiders roster where he looks to compete for the starting role there.

Overall, Ponder hardly helped the Vikings. With a rollercoaster ride called the Vikings, Ponder was thrown around. Starter, benched, starter, benched. He didn’t necessarily lose games for them, but he didn’t win them either. His statistics on the Vikings were poor, selecting him 12th overall was a poor decision as well.

When it all comes down to it, Ponder just wasn’t that good at all.

Next: Minnesota Vikings RB Options in NFL Draft

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