Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s actions Friday morning spoke far louder than his words on Thursday afternoon and, for that, Minnesota Vikings fans should be thankful.
A day after the Vikings general manager said the loss of Kirk Cousins to Atlanta in free agency did not mean he had to select a quarterback in the opening round of the draft, Adofo-Mensah acquired a first-round pick from Houston for second- and sixth-round selections in next month’s draft, along with a second-rounder in 2025. The Vikings also got back a 2024 seventh-round pick from the Texans.
That gives the Vikings picks 11 and 23 in next month’s draft and, most importantly, puts them in position to make a significant move up the board in order to grab a quarterback on April 25.
There was some immediate speculation that the Vikings could keep both selections and take a QB, perhaps Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. at 23. But that seems as far-fetched as the idea that the Vikings are comfortable placing all their eggs in the Sam Darnold basket for next season.
It’s logical to assume the Bears will grab USC’s Caleb Williams with the first pick but after that the Vikings now have enough ammunition to make a pitch for a Top 3 selection. Washington has the second pick, New England is third and Arizona and the Chargers round out the top five.
What we don’t know is which quarterback Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell covets. North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy follow Williams in most projections and the expectation of many is that Maye and Daniels will go second and third, although it’s unclear in what order.
Both Washington and New England need a quarterback, so the price to get either to move off their pick would be substantial. Washington’s selection carries a 717-point value, according to Rich Hill’s trade chart. The two first-round picks the Vikings’ own carry a value of 603 points, meaning Adofo-Mensah likely would have to include at least one future first-rounder to get Washington to even consider an offer.
The Patriots might be a more willing trade partner, given the fact that new coach Jerod Mayo is taking over a roster that needs significant work and could use additional draft picks to start building up what once was a dynasty. The Patriots pick is valued at 514 points, meaning the Vikings’ two selections in the opening round already signify an overpay if it’s just a 2-for-1 swap. But there are going to be a few teams that call the Patriots, so the reality is Adofo-Mensah also might have to sweeten the offer.
One of the most important things for the Vikings is making sure they don’t get jumped by another quarterback-needy team, such as the New York Giants (if they move off of Daniel Jones) or the Denver Broncos. The Giants and Broncos are set to pick at Nos. 6 and 12, respectively.
While there are differing opinions about where McCarthy might go, the worst case would be for the Bears, Commanders and Patriots to all take quarterbacks and then for a team, such as the Broncos, to swoop in and make a trade with the Cardinals at No. 4 in order to grab McCarthy.
What Adofo-Mensah did on Friday was take a step toward assuring the Vikings are positioned to not get outbid and, thus, are in the driver’s seat when the jockeying for better draft position begins.
Oh, and about that part where Adofo-Mensah was less than truthful about his intentions at the quarterback position? We understand. This time of year, true intentions and telling the truth don’t mix well.
Judd Zulgad is co-host of the Purple Daily Podcast and Mackey & Judd podcast at www.skornorth.com.
