Vikings shouldn't reach for QB

By all accounts, Vikings new head coach Leslie Frazier has said he would like the team to select a quarterback of the future in the first or second round of the upcoming NFL draft. Mocks drafts everywhere seem to have the Vikings selecting QBs Jake Locker, Ryan Mallet or Andy Dalton with the No. 12 overall selection in the first round.

If any of these quarterbacks is worthy of the 12th overall pick is certainly worthy of a long debate. But make no mistake, the Vikings have plenty of needs and could use a Pro Bowl-caliber pick at No. 12 no matter what the position.

So if an elite player is on the board when the Vikings are picking at No. 12 — like cornerback Prince Amukamara of Nebraska, wide receiver A.J. Green of Georgia or defensive end Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson — the Vikings should pass on reaching for a quarterback and pick a player with more potential to be a standout.

Up to seven quarterbacks are expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft. The Vikings have an early pick in the second round, so a quarterback will be available then. All the quarterbacks available are said to have flaws. If the Vikings don't like the QBs left on the board when they pick at No. 12, they shouldn't simply move on to the best player available.

— Guy N. Limbeck