Could the Minnesota Vikings select a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday?

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman says he can’t afford to let his spotty history when it comes to quarterbacks deter him from taking one in the first round this year if he believes the right player is available.

Spielman addressed the media on Tuesday, two days before the first round of the NFL draft. The Vikings have the eighth pick in the first round and a young quarterback is the team’s most glaring need.

Spielman chose Christian Ponder 12th overall in 2011. But Ponder has not developed into the starter that Spielman envisioned, and veteran Matt Cassel will enter training camp atop the depth chart.

Spielman also says he won’t trade Ponder because of the lack of depth at the position.