Polls Closed

As many of you know, I've been running a couple of Vikings polls over the past several weeks. The people have spoken.


COMMUNITY MOCK POLL
We've gone pick by pick up through the Vikings' selection, and at 1.12, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn edges Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder. Quinn received 12 of the 41 total votes (Solder received 10). Eight players received votes.

After sitting out the entire 2010 season on NCAA suspension for accepting benefits from an agent, Quinn is the biggest wild card in the entire draft. He's been mocked everywhere from No. 1 overall to the mid-first round. He's an elite athlete with blazing speed, and the hybrid DE/OLB projects as a pass-rushing force.

Here's how the Community Mock played out:

1. Cam Newton, QB; Car
2. Patrick Peterson, CB; Den
3. Nick Fairley, DT; Buf
4. A.J. Green, WR; Cin
5. Blaine Gabbert, QB; Ari
6. Marcell Dareus, DT; Cle
7. Von Miller, LB; SF
8. Prince Amukamara, CB; Ten
9. Tyron Smith, OT; Dal
10. Julio Jones, WR; Was
11. Da'Quan Bowers, DE; Hou

12. Robert Quinn, DE; Min

2011 QUARTERBACK POLL

This pole ran for over a month, and 171 voters weighed in. There were 20 options to choose from, including stopgaps, rookies, trade targets, currently rostered players, and one particular "retired" player. Tied to each option was the projected price the Vikings would have to pay to obtain the quarterback's services.

Receiving 15% of the vote, fans chose to trade back from pick No. 12 to select Jake Locker. He was followed by Carson Palmer (12%; trade 3rd rounder), Joe Webb (10%), Kevin Kolb (10%; trade 1st & 2nd rounders), and Kyle Orton (9%; trade 2nd rounder).

Locker's stock has fluctuated everywhere from the Redskins' No. 10 pick, all the way to the third round. As of today, I'd give him a 50-50 shot of being there when the Vikings step to the podium in the second round.

Locker has the size, arm, athleticism, and mental makeup to be a topflight NFL quarterback. His biggest questions revolve around on-field production—particularly his completion percentage and win-loss record.

I'd be very happy if the first two rounds of the draft played out like this, and the numbers suggest that I'm not alone.