NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Minnesota Vikings Day Three Analysis

April 30, 2011   ·   David G. Kindervater   ·   Jump to comments

The Minnesota Vikings started their final day of the 2011 NFL Draft by selecting Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard, a versatile inside-outside player who had second round grades from most teams.
A recent off-the-field issue, however, cost Ballard an NFL job until the 106th overall pick in the fourth round.
Aside from acquiring another player named Christian in this draft, the Vikes get a unique talent in Ballard. He has the ability to be a strong-side end or an interior defender.
"Right now I think they want me at defensive tackle," Ballard told Vikings.com shortly after he was drafted. "I’m just willing to play wherever they need me to play. Playing both (positions) will give me the opportunity so that I can really take my game to the next level."
Whatever his role will be, Ballard gives the Vikings some much needed depth. The once impenetrable defensive line has been showing signs of wear the past few seasons.
In the fifth round, Minnesota loo...

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