The Irony of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Infamous 2022 Draft Class
The main objective of the Vikings’ 2022 draft class was to revitalize the defense.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stepped away from the event having made ten draft picks and six trades. Notably, five of his initial six picks went toward defense. It’s no small irony, then, that as we move into what will become Year 3 for these players, it’s the offensive players who look more promising in Minnesota.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Irony of His 2022 Draft
Ed Ingram (RD2 – No. 59) was the exception. Otherwise, the initial picks went toward defense.
In fact, every level of the defense saw reinforcements added, but the secondary was the main focus. Safety Lewis Cine (RD1 – No. 32), corner Andrew Booth Jr. (RD2 – No. 42), and corner Akayleb Evans (RD4 – No. 118) were added to inject youthful vigor and speed into a cluster of talent that had grown old with Mike Zimmer.
For the front seven, there were the additions of linebacker Brian Asamoah (RD3 – No. 66) and defensive end Esezi Otomewo (RD5 – No. 165).
Would it be an exaggeration to say that things are looking bleak for all five of these players in Minnesota?
First off, there’s Otomewo, who was cut last year. The former Golden Gopher played a single season in Minnesota before being let go, so that brings things down to just four players.
Essentially everyone else saw free agents added during the most recent offseason that moves them down the depth chart. For corners Evans and Booth, it was the addition of Shaq Griffin. For Asamoah, it was the addition of Blake Casman. And, potentially, Kamu Grugier-Hill, depending on how things shake out.
The exception rests at safety, where Minnesota is simply bringing back the same cluster of talent. By and large, fans seem to have written off Lewis Cine; no doubt, the upcoming season is going to be a pivotal one and his spot on the roster isn’t secure. To his credit, Cine knows that he needs a great offseason.
Meanwhile, things are rosier on offense.
Ingram has had struggles but at least he’s playing. In fact, he has been a starter. His rookie year involved playing 100% of the offense’s snaps in the regular season and postseason. There was some time in the infirmary as a sophomore, but he has been durable and has been improving.
Meanwhile, Ty Chandler (RD5 – No. 169) is entering the season as an upside RB2. Aaron Jones should be the main ball carrier but there’s going to be a lot of work available in that backfield. Potentially, Chandler could have a mini breakout season and set himself up to be the RB1 for 2025 onward.
Finally, one thinks of receiver Jalen Nailor (RD6 – No. 191). True, he has struggled to stay healthy, but he has shown off his speed on a few occasions. The 2024 season looks like an opportunity to show what he can do, possibly by snatching the WR3 spot and not letting go.
Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (RD6 – No. 184) has been traded, so he’s out of the mix. And tight end Nick Muse (RD7 – No. 227) faces an uphill battle in a superchardged TE room. But, to be sure, any help from Muse would only further reinforce the point that the offense has been receiving more help from the 2022 offering of draft prospects.
Realistically, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could walk away with a trio of starters on offense – Ingram, Chandler, and Nailor – and none on defense. Given the early effort to address the defense, the 2022 draft class is one that will continue to inspire no shortage of intrigue, criticism, and reflections on the irony of what is taking place.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.