Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: 5 worst draft picks of all-time

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Christian Ponder really one of the biggest busts in Vikings history? It could be argued either way, but the truth of the matter is, he was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft to be the quarterback of the future and he just never lived up to the billing out of Florida State.

The pressure of replacing a guy like Brett Favre is enormous, but for a rookie to do so has to set the kid up for failure, so it makes sense why he failed.

Ponder looked as sure-handed as any quarterback in the draft and he had a solid senior season in which he passed for 2,044 yards, 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. His junior year was the one which put him on the map, though, as he totaled 2,717 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 68 percent completion rate.

Minnesota decided to spend their first-round pick on him, selecting him 12th overall in 2011 and starting him in 10 games during his rookie season. He wasn’t awful, completing 54 percent of his passes for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but was 2-8 as starter.

The next year was much better as he was handed the reigns completely, starting every game. He passed for 2,935 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 10-6 overall record. His career went downhill from there, though.

Ponder started just 10 games over the next two seasons, going 2-7-1 and then he was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater. He hasn’t played a snap since 2014 and the once high hopes Vikings fans had for him are gone.

Next: 4. D.J. Dozier

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