One of the biggest criticisms of the Minnesota Vikings since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired as general manager in 2022 has been the ineffectiveness of his draft picks. Through 10 games, the Vikings are getting contributions from their top pick. But the lack of production and playing time from the rest of the class leaves a lot to be desired.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports looked at each NFL team’s best and most disappointing picks from April’s draft. Vikings first-round selection Donovan Jackson was praised for his work.
Jackson displays all the qualities of an effective player. He has just yet to put it together. The offensive structure has been a revolving door all season with key pieces shuffling in and out of the lineup.
However, the rest of the class hasn’t contributed much so far.
Aside from Jackson, Vikings draft picks have played a combined 133 snaps on either offense or defense this season. They only had five picks and one of them, sixth-round linebacker Kobe King, is now with the Jets.
Jackson has allowed 17 pressures and two sacks this year, per PFF, and has an overall grade of 62.0. The rest of the class is highlighted by fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, who has played 129 snaps and has a 56.0 grade. He has three pressures and a sack, splashing as a role player.
The Vikings still need more from third-round receiver Tai Felton in the future, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew has been on injured reserve with a back injury. That doesn’t mean the story is written for the class, but there has been little contribution beyond Jackson in an already small class.