ESPN draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper currently both project the Vikings will take North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn with the 12th pick in the first round this April.

Quinn is considered a big-time talent but did not play in 2010 after being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for accepting improper benefits. He reportedly received about $5,600 in agent-related benefits and travel accommodations, including two black diamond watches.

However, during his sophomore season in 2009, the 6-foot-5, 270- pound Quinn finished second in the ACC with 11 sacks and led the conference with 19 tackles for loss in 13 games. He also had 15 quarterback hurries.

Asked about Quinn on a conference call this week, McShay said: "The problem with Quinn is that he really needed another year to develop. To get stronger versus the run and to learn how to use his hands better. He's still a work in progress and maybe a year behind where you'd like to see him…but then you get sucked back in by the physical tools. There are only so many guys that have his frame and his athleticism that can get after the quarterback in the NFL and legitimately become that double-digit sack guy."