The Minnesota Vikings didn't have much to work with entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was under immense pressure to make his first decision count.
Adofo-Mensah is coming under increasing fire for his draft activity since taking the general manager job. With only four picks at his disposal, the margin for error was non-existent without moving back for more assets. Fortunately for the front-office leader, this roster is already pretty polished if quarterback J.J. McCarthy meets expectations under center.
There was an enormous sense of intrigue after how things unfolded in front of the Vikings. It was relatively mundane aside from the bombshell trade that saw the Jacksonville Jaguars go up for Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. Adofo-Mensah had several options on the table. He went with one of the worst options available.
The Vikings caused a stir by selecting offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at No. 24 overall. There were calls made regarding a trade down, but nothing that tempted Adofo-Mensah enough to pull the trigger.
Minnesota is pushing all its chips into the middle where McCarthy is concerned. Protecting him is paramount, which is the best possible way he can succeed moving forward. That's going to make everyone on offense better.
Vikings must go defense with their next draft pick after contentious first-round choice
But their next pick in this process is painfully obvious.
They have to go defense. It doesn't matter where. They have to address the defensive side of the football.
Their veteran additions, especially on the defensive line, should help next season. But what they have right now won't be enough to go deep into the postseason.
That's the long and short of it. Adofo-Mensah should know that, but he's only got three picks to rectify some potentially glaring issues. Navigating them successfully is crucial.
Adofo-Mensah missed a trick. The Houston Texans got a decent haul from the New York Giants for the No. 25 pick. That would have helped, but the Vikings thought Jackson was worth standing pat for.
Time will tell if this gamble pays off.