Could Mallet fall to Vikes?
Following the scouting combine, it appears Auburn’s Cam Newton has solidified his status as the top quarterback in the draft, after he handled the pressure of media interviews with humor and grace despite the controversies surrounding him. Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet, however, came off as impatient, short-tempered and not much of a leader.
Rumors swirl around his possible use of drugs, and while a few reassuring words could have put the issue to rest, he avoided direct answers and projected an ill-tempered image. That could hurt his draft status, despite his impressive numbers. Could Mallet have harmed himself enough to fall to the Vikings at the 12th pick in the draft?
It’s possible, but I almost hope that’s not the case. Mallet, who could be a spokesman for acne products, isn’t the kind of self-assured leader who could serve the Vikings well. Better by far if they take a lineman in the first round, and look to snag a quarterback in the second round; perhaps Washington’s Jake Locker or Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert.
Of course, all of them could be gone before the second round; if that’s the case, the Vikings will have to make due with someone with less marquee value. Of course, a first-round pick is no guarantee of success for a QB, so that might not be that bad. Grabbing a lineman instead could ensure that whoever is the field general for the Vikes next season actually has some time to throw the ball before getting crunched by opposing pass rushers.
