Christian Ponder

Ponder was less than stellar in 2013, throwing nine interceptions compared to just seven touchdowns. He was replaced part way through the year by Matt Cassel, who will begin the season at the top of the depth chart. The Vikings also picked up Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater with the last pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, so there will certainly be some clammoring for the rookie to get a chance, as well. Ponder likely fits in somewhere on the sideline this season, at least for part of it, so he probably won't be of much value outside the deepest fantasy leagues.

One problem with Ponder is he's probably not going to see the workload needed to be relevant to fantasy owners. He threw just 483 passes in 16 games last season, and his YPA dropped to 6.1 from 6.4 in his rookie year. Of course, Adrian Peterson is there to take off some heat, and the additions of Greg Jennings and first-rounder Cordarrelle Patterson should more than replace nine games of the departed Percy Harvin. But Ponder would need to take a seismic leap to be even an average NFL signal caller. He does have some running ability – 253 yards and two scores last year – but not enough to move the needle given his overall profile.

With a quick release, solid instincts and rare running ability, Ponder has the skill set to become a Jeff Garcia sort of quarterback if he shows improvement. The 2011 12th overall pick threw for 1,853 yards (6.4 YPA) and 13 each of touchdowns and interceptions last year – figures that are generally promising when you take into account how weak his offensive line and receivers were. He also proved to be a skilled runner, averaging 7.8 yards per rush as he took off for 219 yards. The addition of fourth overall pick Matt Kalil gives Ponder an elite left tackle prospect to boost his protection, while fourth-round wideouts Greg Childs and Jarius Wright provide two more promising targets at receiver. That said, due to the potential absence and limited effectiveness of Adrian Peterson (ACL, MCL) and Ponder’s own durability concerns, a step forward in Year 2 is far from guaranteed.

After surprising many people by taking him with the 12th pick overall in the 2011 Draft, the Vikings covered themselves slightly by trading two sixth-round picks for Donovan McNabb, lessening the chances that Ponder would start from day one. Ponder has shoulder durability issues, but he also is a mechanically sound player with good accuracy and above average athleticism. If he somehow replaces McNabb as the starter (which is unlikely), he’d have a pretty talented supporting cast centered around Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson. Minnesota got a lot of criticism for taking him 12th overall, but Ponder has the skill set to be a good NFL starter; it just may not be this season.