The Vikings decision to draft Christian Ponder was a major surprise.  I did not see any draft annalists placing Ponder in the first round, much less going at #12.  I think it is very interesting though about how well the Vikings have defended their pick.  I think I am beginning to see there logic.  

There is no way to judge this pick until we see Ponder in Purple.  All we can do as fans is go for it and back this guy.  I think that Christian Ponder has a lot of good things going for him. 

-He is a pocket passer

-He played under center

-He can move inside the pocket

-He keeps his eyes down field

-He can throw on the run

-He is accurate to WR's hands. 

-He places passes where WR's can catch them and not defenders.

-He is fast (4.6ish 40 & and tied for the fastest 20 yard shuffle)

I'm optimistic about C. Ponder.  I like how sure the organization is about his abilities.  From everything I've seen about Ponder is that he gets the job done.  That's all that we have been asking for for a long time.  "We just need Favre to manage the game," "We just need someone to get the ball to our play makers".  This is what Ponder seems to be able to do.      

I'm excited about this pick because if there where too many concerns about his arm injuries the Vikings would not have drafted him.  I think we saw a stronger arm at the combine and Senior Bowl form Ponder than during any of his time at Fla St.  I think he is getting past those injuries and is hopefully not too stubborn to slide and run out of bounds and throw the ball away once in a while.  Also, it is huge that he has been able to be as accurate and effective as he was at Fla St. even when he was hurt.  Many QB's falter when they are hurt.  Ponders completion percentages are impressive for a healthy QB.  How much more impressive could he have been if he was 100%.  I'm interested to see.  

I think this injury really took a lot off of his passes in College.  His highlight reels show some well placed wounded ducks.

Christian Ponder Highlights (via bzotheman)

These also show, good foot work and the ability to put the ball on the hands of the receivers.  How good could some of those short quick passes be to Percy Harvin and AD?  Looks like a okay day at the draft after all.