Instant Analysis: Donovan McNabb traded to Minnesota

Ken Kelly

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We continue our “Instant Analysis” series with the breaking news of the trade of Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings.  While this would have been bigger news a year ago, it still has a ripple effect around the league and in dynasty circles.

Donovan McNabb, QB MIN
Many had hoped McNabb would go to the Vikings last year, but Brett Favre got in the way of that.  McNabb desperately needed a fresh start and he’ll get that in Minnesota.  He’ll have the best running back to work with since his days with Brian Westbrook and viable weapons on the outside as well.  With a solid defensive unit, McNabb won’t be forced to play from behind as often as he would have in Washington again this season.

Let’s just face facts here – McNabb was dreadful last year.  His 2010 totals of 3,377 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions are a far cry from what we’d come to expect from a player of his caliber.  His performance is likely attributed to a combination of a deteriorating skill set, poor offensive weapons, a scheme that didn’t fit his talent, and the fact that Mike Shanahan tends to kill fantasy hope for players.

McNabb simply isn’t the player he once was, though he believes he is based on the reported reluctance he showed when the Vikings targeted Tyler Thigpen before him in free agency.  However, landing in Minnesota is a dream scenario for him.  Combining him with Adrian Peterson this year should keep the Vikings competitive while they work on grooming Christian Ponder.

McNabb should be rostered as a low-end QB2 or decent QB3 in dynasty leagues this season.

Christian Ponder, QB MIN
Speaking of Ponder, this is great news for his dynasty prospects.  Rookie quarterbacks just don’t fare well when thrown into the fire and leading the offense of a team not in complete rebuilding mode would have been an awfully big task for Ponder.  While we have our doubts that Ponder ever develops into a viable NFL or fantasy quarterback, this helps his cause.

Joe Webb, QB MIN
The darkhorse for the Vikings quarterback job just moved into the number three spot.  He’s not going to see the field any time soon and should be dropped outside the deepest of dynasty leagues.

Adrian Peterson, RB MIN
Like Chris Johnson with Matt Hasselbeck, Peterson should be thanking his lucky stars.  With McNabb, defenses are going to be much more honest than they would have been against Ponder or Webb.

Percy Harvin, WR MIN
Much like Peterson, Harvin’s arrow is pointing up at the moment.  Even with a deteriorating McNabb, his prospects are much better today.

Brett Favre, QB FA
Please let it be over.

Kevin Kolb, QB PHI
The suitors are drying up quickly.  If the Eagles want to move him, their quickly losing their leverage.

John Beck, QB WAS
There’s no easy way to say this.  Every starting quarterback in the league should be considered for a roster spot in a dynasty league.  Beck should be considered last.  He may not even with the job facing worthy adversaries like Rex Grossman and Kellen Clemens.

ken kelly