Mock drafts seemingly change by the day this time of the year, but count us among those who enjoy reading to see what others think the Vikings will do in the first round.
Well, two national outlets predict the Vikings will select Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen with the 30th pick in the first round.
Sports Illustrated's NFL writer Don Banks and the Sporting News Today both linked the Vikings and Clausen in their in their latest mock drafts today. Banks' mock draft can be found right here. The Sporting News requires a subscription.
The Vikings ideally would like to formulate a long-term plan at quarterback regardless of whether Brett Favre, as expected, returns next season. However, the Vikings are picking 30th and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Clausen were expected to be gone by then.
Bradford likely will go No. 1 to St. Louis, but Clausen's draft situation became murky when Washington traded for Donovan McNabb. There has been talk that Clausen possibly could go to Cleveland at No. 7 or Buffalo at No. 9. If that doesn't happen, some believe Clausen could fall to late in the first round.
Clausen has plenty of physical ability and knows about pressure having played quarterback at Notre Dame. But Clausen has faced criticism about his maturity and attitude. He's spent a lot of pre-draft interviews answering questions about his perceived arrogance. Few knock his talent, however.
It will be interesting to see if Clausen does slide on draft day and if the Vikings make a play if that happens.
UPDATE: ESPN's draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay also released their latest mock draft and both believe Clausen will be off the board by the time the Vikings pick.
