Opinion: What’s Wrong with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah? Minnesota Vikings asked the team manager.
As the Minnesota Vikings navigate a pivotal offseason, questions are increasingly being directed at General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. While the team has undergone a significant roster overhaul since his arrival in 2022, a closer look reveals a mixed bag of results, particularly concerning his draft record and utilization of draft capital.
Adofo-Mensah, who was hired in 2022, inherited a team with limited draft picks and cap space. He has been lauded for his aggressive approach to free agency, consistently finding value in veteran players and restructuring contracts to create financial flexibility. The trade for T.J. Hockenson is often cited as a “home run” acquisition, and moves like signing Andrew Van Ginkel and Aaron Jones highlight a strategic shift towards building a roster capable of winning “any type of game.” Owner Mark Wilf has also indicated “very, very positive” conversations about extending Adofo-Mensah’s contract, suggesting a degree of internal confidence.
However, criticism of Adofo-Mensah largely centers on his draft performance, which has been described by some as “inconsistent” and “underwhelming.” His first draft class in 2022, a 10-player haul, has drawn significant scrutiny. Only one player from that class, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, remains a projected starter for 2025. First-round pick Lewis Cine, selected after trading down 20 spots from No. 12, suffered a severe leg injury in his rookie season and was later released. Other early picks from that class, such as Andrew Booth and Ed Ingram, have also moved on from the team. This early draft struggles have led to perceptions that he has been “trying to dig himself out of the hole he dug for himself.”
While some argue that Adofo-Mensah has shown improvement in subsequent drafts, the jury remains out on many of his selections. Jordan Addison, a first-round pick in 2023, has been a successful complement to Justin Jefferson. However, the 2024 draft, where the Vikings traded up twice in the first round for J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, also raised eyebrows regarding the draft capital surrendered. McCarthy subsequently suffered a meniscus injury before the regular season, postponing his professional debut, while Turner, despite playing in 16 games, did not get a start last season.
Adofo-Mensah’s philosophy appears to prioritize impact players and a holistic team-building approach, as he himself stated, “You have to earn the right to be the type of team and type of organization that drafts for impact and not need.” He has also spoken about his fascination with proprietary trade value charts, suggesting a data-driven approach to roster construction.
Yet, despite his analytical background, some critics question his market reads, particularly regarding quarterback acquisition, and the perceived “uber-aggressive” nature of some of his trades. The Vikings currently hold only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, tied for the smallest in team history, a direct result of previous trade-ups.
Ultimately, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s tenure has been characterized by bold moves and a clear vision for the Vikings’ future. However, the success of this vision hinges significantly on the development of his draft picks, especially the high-capital investments like McCarthy and Turner. While he has excelled in free agency and cap management, the long-term health of the roster will largely depend on his ability to consistently hit on draft selections and translate his analytical approach into on-field success. The upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining whether his unconventional strategies ultimately lead the Vikings to sustained contention.
