Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s track record in the draft is mixed. He has had some hits, but overall, the return has not equaled the investment. That, of course, could change pretty quickly, as J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner possess enormous potential. In the upcoming draft cycle, the general manager only has three draft picks (at least one incoming compensatory pick is likely).
Vikings Select an Exciting Playmaker in Latest Mock Draft
At 6-2, his first draft choice is scheduled to take place outside of the top 20, making a trade down to generate some extra draft picks less likely. The Vikings need some help at defensive tackle and cornerback, while head coach Kevin O’Connell could use an upgrade at guard or center, and he needs a new running back with Aaron Jones set to enter free agency. Even if he returns for a second season, he will turn 30 in December.
Adofo-Mensah also has some cap space to fill the voids in free agency. In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, he addressed the running back spot by drafting Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a legitimate top-10 talent regardless of position in the projected 2025 draft class. However, it’s always tough to find the right fit for a running back based on how teams want to invest in the position.
The Minnesota Vikings are already a successful team. They seem to have two quarterbacks whom they could build around in the coming years. Whether Sam Darnold continues as is or J.J. McCarthy takes over next season, both can benefit by having a ball-carrier of Jeanty’s caliber sharing the backfield.
J.J. McCarthy is most likely the quarterback in 2025 and beyond. Every comment made by the decision-makers and every report coming out of TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, suggests they think highly of their highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history.
The next season will practically be his rookie season, and supporting young quarterbacks with talent is always crucial. In the Twin Cities, he already has some excellent weapons and a solid offensive line, but the one thing that’s missing is a running back.
Of the three runners currently under contract ‒ Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler ‒ only Chandler’s deal doesn’t expire after the 2024 campaign.
Adofo-Mensah has drafted two running backs in his three drafts in charge, but those were both day-three picks (Chandler in the fifth round and DeWayne McBride in the seventh round). Regardless, it’s fair to wonder if the Vikings would go a different path in the future, considering the horrendous running game in 2023 without a reliable halfback on the roster.
Jeanty could be that guy, according to Bleacher Report‘s Dame Parson.
Jeanty is RB1 on Bleacher Report’s rankings, and he’s an ideal fit for the Vikings zone rushing attack. Jeanty has good footwork, short-area quickness and outstanding contact balance. He would face much lighter defensive fronts in the NFL with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson surrounding him as receiving threats.
Jeanty’s highlights have been going viral all season, and his weekly rushing totals are sky-high. In only eight games this season, he has recorded 1,525 rushing yards (8.0 yards per carry) and 20 rushing touchdowns.
He is indeed a perfect fit for O’Connell’s offense and could complete an offensive group that already includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
It’s still way too early to predict whether the 20-year-old would be available for the Vikings. His draft stock could rise even further, and it is unclear how early or late the Vikings will actually draft.
Regardless, he would be an explosive addition who could take the offense to another level.
Editor’s Note: Information from Sports Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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