NFL Draft Rumors Circling Quarterback For the Minnesota Vikings, Could It Be Ryan Mallett?

The Arkansas Razorback quarterback has had to do a lot of explaining to do this “draft season” and we have heard everything from “mid-first rounder” to “third round pick” for Mallett’s position on draft day.

He easily has the best pure arm of any quarterback in this draft class, has elite size and can make all the throws necessary down the field to scare defenses, but he’s got plenty of issues too.

There is not a quarterback in this class that does not have a question mark though.

Mallett’s character concerns, mostly noted as maturity issues, will certainly make teams reconsider taking a chance on him in the first round.

According to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports, Mallett had a visit to Minnesota yesterday and quoted Mallet’s reaction to the visit as well.

Smith writes:

“The Vikings have made no secret that they’d like to add a quarterback in this year’s draft, and they’ve visited with most of this year’s top quarterback prospects. Mallett thinks his visit went well. ‘I was really impressed by the organization, and the talks we had were positive. I enjoyed talking football with them and showing them what I know and what I can do as a quarterback. I feel that’s a place where I could thrive.'”

Mallett may believe that, but one of the current Vikings, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, disagrees.

Smith quoted Shiancoe from an interview with NFL Network, but sums up his comments as such, “he thinks the lockout and shortened offseason make it almost impossible for a rookie to be ready to start this season. So he wants to play with a veteran.”

Not much of a warm welcome for any new quarterback heading to Minnesota, including Mallett.

Shiancoe has a point though, especially regarding preparation, and there is no denying that regardless of which quarterback the Vikings go with they will have to find a veteran to bridge the gap.

Mallett might think he is capable of thriving in Minnesota, but Shiancoe’s not in the mood to play with him just yet.

As always, be sure to bookmark our 2011 NFL Draft hub for all your draft needs