The Vikings’ Competitive Rebuild Can See a Big Bow
Ted Schwerzler
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The Minnesota Vikings were in a weird place when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over as the general manager for Rick Spielman. Mike Zimmer was ultimately shown the door, and Kevin O’Connell ushered in a new style of play. Beyond that, though, the roster turnover needed to commence. The results are staggering at this point, and this draft could put a big bow on everything.
The Vikings’ Competitive Rebuild Can See a Big Bow
It’s hard not to see the end of Kirk Cousins’s era as a sizable shift for the Vikings. Of course, his presence under center for the past six years was a steadying one, and for a franchise that has often lacked consistency at the position, he definitely provided that. Chasing another payday, though, it’s the quarterback position when the general manager can make an impactful stamp regarding roster turnover.
With what the Vikings have done from a roster turnover perspective and how that has impacted the coaching staff and their abilities to develop talent, bringing in a young, moldable quarterback seems like a logical next step. Coincidentally, with Sam Darnold in the fold, Minnesota will have two of those types of players. At just 26 years old, Darnold himself is not a crusty veteran and may benefit from a better situation. Regardless, the competitive rebuild hits full throttle when drafting a top passing prospect.
As the Vikings swung a deal with the Houston Texans for a second first-round pick, they seem well-positioned to move up within the top five and grab a passer of their choosing. The timing of that move, alongside needing to pay Justin Jefferson, is very likely not coincidental. Drafting the next quarterback while Cousins was still under contract and going through extensions never would have made sense. Having revamped a significant portion of the defense while bringing in additional playmakers, the most crucial position can now be turned to.
It would be unexpected to see Adofo-Mensah turn over 100% of the roster he inherited, and it’s not as though the job is done yet, but quarterback becomes a focal point. How Minnesota utilizes the first of their draft picks next month will signify where the front office believes the roster is in terms of an overhaul, and seeing a proverbial bow be put on the process is something to behold.
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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 weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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