With the 12th pick in the 2011 TST Community Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings, represented by Brick Top, select: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Brick Top gives us his reasoning:
In a perfect world without a lockout, I would trade this pick to the Eagles for Kevin Kolb and a 3rd or 4th, but since there is a lockout that couldn't happen. Trading down for picks is also a possibility if a team is convinced Fairley is going to be a total stud. This pick came down to Bowers and Fairley and I choose Fairley for two reasons. 1. He doesn't have an injury problem like Bowers, who some say may not be able to play next year. 2. Pat Williams is 38 so this is possibly his last year so a replacement will be needed. Enter Fairley who provides good value here with his great skill set. Concerns about his character and work ethic are as risky here because it is out of the top ten.
I like this pick. There really isn't any QB worth taking here (except maybe Mallet, given the fact that the Vikings have had their share of troubled players, but even that is pushing it). The Vikings thrive on their defense and running game, and have a good array of weapons on offense. Like Brick Top said, P. Williams is 38 years old, so if they want to keep the high level of defensive line play, they are going to need a new prospect. They can afford to take a QB in round 2, where the talent fits the value of their pick a lot better (I've never been one to believe the whole 'you must draft a QB in round one' mumbo jumbo). Of course, when Brett Favre comes out of retirement again, it'll make this whole situation moot.
3k and the Detroit Lions are on the clock!
P.S. If you've missed any of the picks, make sure to check out the draft board to see them all!