The Vikings GM is Still Chasing a Triple Play
So far, the Vikings GM has yet to fully nail a draft. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is still searching for the draft class that defines his tenure in Minnesota. Four years in, the verdict remains unsettled — and the 2024 class may represent his best chance yet at a true “triple play.”
The 2022 cluster has been a complete disaster while the effort in 2023 has been (at best) below average. The verdict has yet to arrive for the incoming talent from 2024 and 2025. One wonders about that ’24 draft haul due to the arrival of QB J.J. McCarthy, EDGE Dallas Turner, and K Will Reichard. Did Minnesota scoop up a strong QB1, EDGE1, and K1 within the same draft class?
The Vikings GM on Chasing a Triple Play
Failing to have picked the correct passer will be a hurdle that the Vikings GM likely doesn’t overcome. Indeed, a future where McCarthy fully flops likely costs Adofo-Mensah his job.
The sophomore had a disappointing season (to say the least). Completing just 57.6% of his passes is a terrible eyesore. Even being in the low 60s for a completion percentage within the modern NFL isn’t good enough. The rest of stats show 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He ran some, as well, but that option makes Minnesotans — from fans all the way to the coaches — skittish due to the quarterback’s injury history.
Meanwhile, Dallas Turner had a mini breakout, albeit one that was somewhat muted.
The No. 17 selection from 2024 led the Vikings with 8 sacks. More broadly, there were 66 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles. He offered these numbers within seventeen games, starting ten.
Mr. Turner took a nice step forward but will need to continue elevating. The trade cost was massive, meaning the production and impact need to be, as well. Anything less than being a full-time terror for the opposing quarterback will mean the Turner trade gets looked at with some regret.
And then there’s Will Reichard, who is already a first-team All Pro. He has proven to be a sizzling option on specials.
Those who follow the Vikings will be forgiven if there’s still a desire to see the kid continue performing. Just note that he’s coming off a season where he went 33/35 on his fields goals alongside going 31/31 on his extra points.
Replicating that brilliance will mean that the 6th-Round specialist has been Adofo-Mensah’s best selection (by a wide margin).
The Vikings are desperate for young players to step up. Seeing substantial internal growth from the few young fellas who have carved out a meaningful role would go a long way in making the 2026 season more successful than the 2025 season. That reality will be particularly prominent if the source of that internal growth takes place at positions as vital as QB, EDGE, and K.
The Vikings are preparing to make nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bringing in at least a few impact players from within that haul appears to be similarly vital.
