It’s a Draft of SUPPLEMENTING for the Vikings

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell at a Minnesota Timberwolves game in 2022. This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had a whole bunch of money to spend under the salary cap. That meant general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could go to work on the free agent market. It’s a Draft of SUPPLEMENTING for the Vikings You didn’t need to tell him twice, and he quickly turned over multiple starting spots on the roster. The offensive line got an infusion of talent between the tackles. Center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries are both sizable upgrades for the Vikings. They also added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to the defensive line. Isaiah Rodgers joined Byron Murphy Jr. as likely starting cornerbacks, and Jordan Mason was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers in March. Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images. All of Adofo-Mensah’s work puts Minnesota in a very good position going into the draft. That’s great because the Vikings have just four picks and don’t have their first until 24th overall. They could go with the best player available, or they could opt to trade back and generate additional talent. No matter what, the draft may come down to Minnesota supplementing multiple positions on their roster. It’s no secret that the Vikings roster is relatively old. They haven’t fared well in the draft, leaving them in a spot where each position continues to get further from a long-term starter. Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images. Looking across mock drafts from all over the interwebs, Minnesota remains tied to spots where they would look at future help. Short of a Jahdae Barron cornerback selection, everything else seems to factor in behind a current starter. Nick Emmanwori may be capable of displacing Theo Jackson at safety. A guard could take over for Blake Brandel. Defensive tackles will have a tough time displacing the veterans ahead of them. It’s a reality that may not be the worst thing for Minnesota, however. The Vikings added new starters to their roster, but plenty come with injury concerns. Beyond that, very few of them are expected to be long-term answers. Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images. The more depth Adofo-Mensah can generate alternative options behind his front line, the better. Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.