The Vikings drafted Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder with the 12th overall pick on Thursday night, but the team is still interested in acquiring Donovan McNabb from the Redskins. League sources said Friday that the addition of Ponder hasn't changed Minnesota's desire for a veteran quarterback. Whether through trade or his release, McNabb is expected to eventually become a Viking.

The Vikings are looking for a franchise quarterback and they aren't hiding their desire to acquire one. They haven't been able to make any moves because of the NFL lockout, which has halted trades and free agent signings. Minnesota owns the 12th overall pick in next week's NFL Draft. "We want a guy we can say, 'That's the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback for years to come,' and not to be in this situation two or three years from now," coach Leslie Frazier said earlier this offseason. "We're still going to try to turn every stone and find that guy."

Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie is trying to lower his playing weight from 360 pounds to 340 this offseason and he's taking tennis lessons from friend Venus Williams to achieve that goal. McKinnie, who has been training with Williams in South Florida for two weeks, says he's using tennis to improve his lateral quickness and has quickly become passionate about the sport. He's already reportedly lost five pounds.

The Vikings remain interested in acquiring quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Redskins, according to a report in The Washington Post. The report cites two people with knowledge of the situation. Regardless of interest, no deal can be made until there is a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf strongly hinted on Thursday that the final, critical pieces of a plan to build a new taxpayer-supported stadium were nearly in place. Wilf was optimistic as he spoke to reporters following what a Vikings spokesman said were meetings with two dozen legislators. "We're confident that we have the parts in place to get this done this session," Wilf said. "We're right now in the process of working with several potential [local] partners. "They're very much willing and able to get this deal done."

Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards is set to make his professional boxing debut at a Minnesota casino. Edwards told the Star Tribune that he has signed a two-fight contract. His professional debut is set for May 20 in a four-round bout against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. "It's something I've always wanted to do in my life," Edwards said. "I can't put my eggs all in one basket, waiting for the NFL to settle the lockout. You never know when this lockout is going to end."

Arizona defensive lineman Brooks Reed will visit three teams and work out for another this week, according to a league source. Reed visited the Falcons on Monday. He is scheduled to meet with the Redskins on Tuesday, the Vikings on Friday and the Colts on Saturday. He has already worked out for the Patriots, Ravens and Bills.

The Vikings are in need of a quarterback, but they have questions about prospect Jake Locker. Minnesota has the No. 12 pick and they feel Locker may be a reach at that slot. According to NFL.com, most NFL personnel men don't believe Locker is worth a first-round pick, let along a Top-15 selection.

The four finalists in the Madden 2012 cover athlete contest are Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, Browns running back Peyton Hillis and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The final pairing will be announced on April 18. Rodgers defeated Danny Woodhead, Vick topped Patrick Willis, Hillis edged Jamaal Charles and Peterson got past Drew Brees.

Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallet says his predraft meeting with the Vikings went "really well." Mallet met with Minnesota for two days last week. The Vikings are one of at least eight teams to have scheduled a meeting with Mallett.