Brett Favre has retired (for real this time). Tarvaris Jackson is an unrestricted free agent. Joe Webb is not an NFL starter at QB. So the Vikings had a need at quarterback when they came on the clock with Thursday's 12th pick. Yet, with Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert off the board, many thought they would steer away and touch up another position. They didn't. The Vikings drafted former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder . He compiled 2,044 passing yards and 20 touchdowns last season. He was expected by draft "experts" to go much later in the first round, perhaps even fall into the second.

Fantasy Analysis:

This wasn't as shocking as the Locker selection at No. 8 but still very puzzling. Quality players such as Prince Amukamara and Nick Fairley were still on the board, and the Vikings had a need at both of their positions. By picking Ponder, the Vikings have attached their hopes to a very smart quarterback with average arm strength and a long medical sheet. It's no wonder that he's drawn comparisons to Chad Pennington. I have to think this isn't the last move by Minnesota on the QB front. I think a veteran will be added during free agency -- whenever that period begins. I expect Ponder's fantasy value will be very limited for a long while.