The Vikings drafted quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State in the first round with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night.  Minnesota tried to trade down from the 12th pick but could not so they picked Ponder at that spot.  Ponder was a 3-year starting quarterback at Florida State and threw for a career high 20 touchdowns with 8 interceptions in 2010.  Ponder has had an injury history.  He missed 3 games in 2009 with a separated shoulder and underwent 2 surgeries on his right elbow in 2010.  The Vikings liked what they saw from Ponder at the Senior Bowl and watched him at the Scouting Combine and his pro day.  Ponder is an intelligent guy.  He earned his Masters Degree in finance at Florida State and is working on his doctorate.  He also scored high on the wonderlick test, a 35.  Ponder will be introduced at the press conference at Winter Park today.

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