With The 12th Pick In The 2011 Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, The Minnesota Vikings Select...

Ryan Kerrigan - DE, Purdue

Pick made by Mr. Indianapolis Colts:

The Vikings have a lot of work to do. They have 21 unrestricted free agents and can't sign all of them, no franchise quarterback, an oft-injured #1 WR who wants to get paid, and only one first round draft pick. With their top pick, the Vikes really need someone who can start from day one and be a difference maker, and I think a carbon-copy of Jared Allen fits that bill nicely. Expect these bookends on the D-Line to be an intimidating and imposing force for any opponent.

Some might say Kerrigan in this spot is a bit of a reach, but what's not to like about the all-time FBS leader in forced fumbles, Big Ten Defensive POY, a freakish motor that doesn't stop, and a knack for getting to the QB in crunch time? With DE Ray Edwards unlikely to be resigned due to money and more pressing FA re-signings i.e. Sidney Rice, Eric Henderson, & Chad Greenway, a guy like Kerrigan would have no problem stepping right into a starting position for the Vikes at defensive end next season.

Kerrigan, at 6'-4", 260, tremendously excelled in his senior season at Purdue leading the Football Bowl Subdivision in tackles for loss in the regular season with 26.0, proving that this DE isn't a one-trick pony and has no problem with blowing up a running play or screen. His 5 forced fumbles in his senior season brought his career total to 14, which, as mentioned above, is a Division 1 FBS record. Bottom line is this is a guy who's going to bust his ass and get after it day-in and day-out, and he is nothing short of a solid choice at #12.

Minnesota will probably look long and hard at Cam Newton in this spot if he's available, because God knows Joe Webb isn't the long-term answer at QB for them. And to be honest, I nearly slotted Cam in with this pick, knowing that the Vikings desperately need that franchise QB, and someone with the star power of Newton could bring some much-needed optimism to that position for Minnesota. But I believe they will address their QB concerns via Free Agency and sign a veteran like McNabb, Kolb or Orton simply because they need someone who can step right into that QB role and produce now while they have a stud like AP shouldering nearly all of their offensive load.

All in all, I don't think the Minnesota Vikings can go wrong with Ryan Kerrigan here. He fills a need, alleviates pressure from Edwards becoming a FA, and can flat-out maul. Defensive Ends are becoming hot commodities in the NFL, and Minnesota goes confidently with Kerrigan with their top pick.

If Kerrigan is taken 12th overall, it'll be the first time since 2004 the Vikings have chosen a DE in the first round (Kenechi Udeze).  Also, it'll be the highest Purdue player taken in the first round since 1987, when Rod Woodson was taken 10th overall by the Steelers.

Ryan Kerrigan Scouting Report from Yahoo! Shutdown Corner

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