Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah preparing for all scenarios in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Due to the happenings of this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have not precisely been in a place to keep the rest of the NFL in suspense.

The Vikings are in the market for a quarterback. They know it as much as the other 31 clubs know it. But they’re not about to reveal their secrets, or commit solely to using their assets — two first-round picks, including one acquired after Kirk Cousins‘ departure — to move up and take a passer.

“We aim to position ourselves optimally in case a team shows interest in us, but it’s crucial that they don’t necessarily have to reach out,” stated Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Vikings’ general manager, at a Thursday press conference. “We also want to ensure that we’re in a favorable position even if they don’t reach out, and we end up picking excellent players. Though we often discuss the quarterback position – being the most pivotal role in our sport and any team sport – it’s not merely about selecting the right quarterback, it’s also about forming a solid team around them.”

Thus, when we evaluate this decision, considering our offseason, it appears to be a bridge between our quarterback assets and other aspects. I believe our draft strategy will echo this approach. I don’t think it’s advisable to make large, risky moves without the ability to construct a well-rounded team. This could lead to a different situation, yet not necessarily the one we aim for. Hence, this is how we perceive the decision.

Essentially, Adofo-Mensah isn’t going to use both first-round picks to move up and select a quarterback just to draft a replacement for Cousins. It’s about finding the right fit, which is why Minnesota attempted to protect itself against a nightmare scenario by signing Sam Darnold in free agency.

However, the Vikings still require a long-term solution at quarterback. While Darnold has not yet proven he can definitively fill that role, the same could be said for any rookie who joins the Minnesota team, regardless of the high expectations that accompany a first-round draft pick.

Adofo-Mensah is aware that the Vikings need more than Darnold. However, with two first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 23), they have sufficient resources to trade up, provided the timing and suitability are aligned. Despite the inherent risk, it should not discourage Adofo-Mensah or any other general manager from making this move. As Bruce Arians once mentioned, without taking risks, there can’t be rewards.

Adofo-Mensah explained, “The fact that something is risky doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid it. It’s a difficult concept to comprehend, but once you do, you understand the potential rewards. This is something you must carefully consider. There are numerous examples of other teams making decisions that might not have been the expected choice. Yet, it was these unexpected decisions that ultimately proved correct and yielded positive results.”

“I believe that our chances of success will surpass the predicted margins. But how favorable are these chances? In my opinion, it’s still a gamble. However, just because something carries risk doesn’t mean we should shy away from it – we just need to have faith. There’s uncertainty, of course. It’s an ambiguous situation and we need to take our shot, but that doesn’t deter us in the slightest, I would say.”

The Vikings are not necessarily in an advantageous position due to Cousins’ exit. However, it does not mean they are acting in desperation. Adofo-Mensah shared his perspective on considering the team’s first two picks as a safety net. If their preferred quarterbacks have been picked and they are not confident enough to gamble on another from their current position, they can always opt for a top talent other than a quarterback. This allows them to keep enhancing their team’s scenario around the signal-caller until they discover the right quarterback.

Adofo-Mensah stated, “We have strong feelings for several guys outright. Yet, we also have affection for others, provided we can secure them at a particular value. They would also be able to contribute significantly.” He added, “As mentioned earlier, if we are discussing the skill to adapt to different contexts, a player with lesser abilities but supported by assets to acquire someone who won’t put them in difficult situations is also beneficial.”

Adofo-Mensah confessed that he’s still a novice at assessing top-tier quarterback talent and preparing to make a crucial decision regarding the position. He expressed gratitude to his former head coach and quarterback, Kevin O’Connell, stating he played a major role in this process and provided insights that Adofo-Mensah might not have gotten from a coach with a different background.

He is of the opinion that the Vikings have improved. However, Adofo-Mensah may find himself in a situation where he has to make some important decisions on draft night, possibly needing to negotiate over the phone. Once everything is over and done, he will be the one facing the brunt of the criticism, not just in April, but also in the years that follow.