Here is Shawn Zobel, a Minnesota-based NFL draft analyst who runs draftheadquarters.com. …

On what players he believes the Vikings are considering with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft: “They have their eye on three players, all defensive ends: Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers, North Carolina’s Robert Quinn and Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan. All near-perfect fits for end in the 4-3 defense to slot in opposite Jared Allen and fill the hole that Ray Edwards is expected to leave when he departs via free agency. Bowers is rated as my No. 4 overall player but could fall due to concerns over a knee injury.”

On plans for the quarterback position: “The team is eyeing Washington’s Donovan McNabb to step in and start in 2011. From what I’ve been told, the Redskins are asking for a third-round pick. However, because the Vikings don’t have a third-round pick (traded for Randy Moss), they are scrambling to try to find a way to add a third-rounder without trading players because there is no collective bargaining agreement. Trading a pick in 2012 is certainly an option, as the team is looking to find a way to regain that pick while also staying at No. 12 overall. As for their quarterback of the future, I’d still expect to see the team address that need in the second round or later in the draft. I’ve been told that Ryan Mallett is a player that the team has serious interest in. He could be an option in the second round, or is a player they could trade up into the late first round to select.”