Mike Mayock of the NFL Network, who many Viking fans may recognize as the guy that does color commentary for Minnesota's pre-season games, has released his one and only mock draft of the year, and he has a bit of a surprise for the Vikings at the number 12 spot in the first round.
While the Vikings have been matched with numerous different defensive ends in mock drafts across the internet, one player that I haven't seen them matched with very frequently is Missouri pass-rusher Aldon Smith. But, that's the guy that Mayock has the Vikings grabbing with the 12th pick. Says Mayock:
In desperate need of a QB, the Vikings go the veteran route. If they don’t re-sign Ray Edwards, they line up Smith opposite Jared Allen and return to the dominance of their front-four defense.
So, Mayock feels that the Vikings try to sign yet another veteran stop-gap at the quarterback position. For the record, Mayock has four quarterbacks. . .Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Andy Dalton. . .being selected in Round One, which could possibly leave the Vikings a couple of possibilities with their second-round choice.