Since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah became the general manager in 2022, the Minnesota Vikings have posted the sixth-highest win percentage in the NFL, even though most of that success came from players brought in by the previous leadership or signed from other teams. This unusual situation has led to an important question this offseason: Is it possible to keep winning long-term without relying on draft picks?
From 2022 through 2024, the Vikings put together a 34-17 record, which works out to a .667 win percentage. However, during that same period, only 107 starts came from players drafted in those years, based on data from ESPN Research.
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That figure ranked second to last in the league, with only the Miami Dolphins recording fewer starts at 31. The Dolphins’ number was impacted by league-imposed penalties that cost them first- and third-round selections in the 2023 and 2024 drafts, respectively.
Relying Heavily on Veterans
Adofo-Mensah made up for the low draft output by putting together a strong group of free agents in 2024. That class included three Pro Bowlers and 12 players who made at least one start. This reliance on veterans led to Minnesota finishing the season as the NFL’s oldest team, based on age-weighted snap count.
As he prepares for his fourth offseason and continues contract discussions with team ownership, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Adofo-Mensah is now expected to turn his focus to bringing in younger players, which has been a foundation for many successful franchises.
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, the Vikings are currently set to have only three picks, with a possible fourth coming through the league’s compensatory formula. If this projection holds, it would leave Minnesota selecting the second-lowest number of players over four years from 2022 to 2025, according to ESPN Research.
When asked if any changes were needed in his draft strategy, Adofo-Mensah first expressed surprise at the question, then said that the organization is always seeking to improve.
Growth as a Decision-Maker
Adofo-Mensah shared that his confidence in his front office has grown over time. “I’ve really come a long way since my first year in this role,” he said. “There are things I now recognize as a leader, especially when it comes to reading the information I’m given. Knowing when to speak up and change direction, and when to take advice from others, is something I’ve gotten better at. I’m really looking forward to this draft.”
One of the ways the front office has adjusted is by involving the coaching staff more closely in draft decisions. Over the past two years, that collaboration has been encouraged by Adofo-Mensah.
In 2023, head coach Kevin O’Connell pushed hard to select wide receiver Jordan Addison with the 23rd pick. In 2024, O’Connell took the lead on evaluating quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was eventually selected 10th overall.
Coaching Staff Stability and Decision Power
People around the league noticed what the Vikings prioritized when O’Connell became the first person in the organization to receive a contract extension just eight days after their playoff exit.
Despite that extension, a source within the organization confirmed that no other changes were made to team operations, which means Adofo-Mensah continues to run the football department.
While reflecting on his draft history, Adofo-Mensah admitted that the 2022 class did not meet expectations. First-round pick Lewis Cine was waived, and second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. was traded. He explained that trying to address too many roster needs in one draft year backfired.
Another second-round pick from that draft, guard Ed Ingram, was benched during the 2024 season after being given two and a half years to develop. Since the start of 2022, Addison has been the only player from their draft selections who has made a clear difference, while receiver Jalen Nailor has been a consistent contributor.
Draft Circumstances and Missed Opportunities
Several factors affected how that draft class performed. McCarthy, who was selected in 2024, tore his ACL last summer and missed the entire season. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, picked in the third round in 2023, also suffered a season-ending injury.
Another 2024 pick, cornerback Khyree Jackson, lost his life in a car accident before training camp began. Kicker Will Reichard, chosen in the sixth round in 2024, served as the team’s main kicker during the season. One draft decision that stood out was the move Adofo-Mensah made to get linebacker Dallas Turner.
The Vikings traded away six picks and used a seventh to take Turner with the 17th overall selection. At the time, the team had already signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency, both of whom played all 17 games and earned Pro Bowl spots. Meanwhile, Turner played only 315 defensive snaps, which amounted to 26.8 percent of the total. Across the league, 51 rookies saw more action.
Turner reflected on the year by saying, “I came into a locker room full of veterans, and my job was to learn and grow.” At the season’s end, he had recorded 17 tackles, three sacks, and eight quarterback pressures. Some expected more from him, especially since the Vikings gave up so much to bring him in.
However, defensive coordinator Brian Flores compared Turner’s development path to Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who didn’t start regularly until his third NFL season.
Building with Patience
Speaking generally, Adofo-Mensah addressed the idea that success takes time. “People want things to happen fast,” he said. “But strong teams are built differently. They prepare for needs before those needs become obvious. They look for opportunities that others may miss.”
Since Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell took charge, the Vikings have posted seasons of 13 and 14 wins, helped by a reliable group of players and smart moves in free agency and trade markets. But continuing this pattern using players from other teams let go is proving to be a challenge.
When compared with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, the gap becomes even clearer. From 2022 through 2024, the Chiefs got 286 starts from their own drafted players, which is more than double what the Vikings got.
Kansas City is now preparing for its fifth Super Bowl appearance in the past six years. Even though there are many strategies to build a winning team, the path Minnesota has taken may leave them far behind if their goal is to match that kind of draft-driven success.
