With the 12th Pick in the 2011 Dawgs By Nature Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings Select...

With the 12th pick in the 2011 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select...

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

This selection and write-up was made by Simmsinns:

It’s really simple, Minnesota needs a quarterback. We’ve seen what these guys can do with great quarterback play and we’ve seen what happens when they lack it. The Vikings head coach, Leslie Frazier has even gone on record saying to the media that he was "interested in finding the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco this offseason." With those things in mind and Cam Newton off the board, this pick was really a no-brainer. He has a quick release and great arm strength. He’s also that ideal size and frame for an NFL QB, but doesn’t lack the mobility and can extend plays. He’s generally the most accurate with short-to-intermediate throws.

I think if you can rely on Adrian Peterson enough, Gabbert won’t be asked to be the hero, even in the wake of the 2-season Favre experiment. If this guy can continue to do what he does well at the next level, he should be just fine. I think the Vikings know that if they hit the mark with a QB, and they are the next Matt Ryan, then this pick is an absolute homerun. It’s a lot less of a risk at 12th overall, than say if Buffalo reached at 3rd or even San Fran at 7th. If he’s on the board when the Vikings are picking, he is it.

I agree with this pick. I still like the Vikings' defense and their supporting cast on offense, but they need to start fresh at the quarterback position after the whole Brett Favre debacle last season. I'll be surprised if Gabbert is on the board and they don't take him.

The Detroit Lions are on the clock next (email has been sent to BuenosAires_Dawg).