“Go blue, baby,” Metellus wrote on X on April 25, after the choice was announced.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings lucked out as the run on quarterbacks played out differently than expected, with the New York Giants passing on a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick and the Atlanta Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.
Rather than wait any longer, Adofo-Mensah followed through on his words and negotiated a deal, although one that was far smaller than many expected heading into draft night.
Metellus, who campaigned for Pro Bowl honours in 2023, was impressed by his GM’s strategy.
The second deal elicited a “whoa” from the versatile Metellus, followed by a gazing emoji. He also questioned whether the transfer would benefit the defence, which had lost a lot of talent up front this offseason.
All three of the Vikings’ finest edge defenders left during free agency, including four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.
“Tell Kwesi that whatever he’s cooking smells amazing,” Metellus wrote.
Vikings get rave reviews. J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner underperformed their pre-draft forecasts. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the Vikings were one of the “biggest winners” of the night.
“All along, McCarthy was associated with the Vikings. And we always assumed they’d have to trade up their other first-round pick — No. 23 — to get him,” Kiper wrote on April 26. Instead, they patiently waited. They traded up one position with the Jets, got their guy, and retained the No. 23 pick. That’s a big win.
“Minnesota was able to use the 23rd pick to move up six spots and land Turner, my top-ranked edge rusher and the No. 9 player on my Big Board. While the franchise had to give up a lot—including No. 167 and 2025 third- and fourth-round picks—Turner is a great player who fills a need. Like the Bears, the Vikings have two players in my top 15. This is a very solid haul.”
Kiper cited head coach Kevin O’Connell, as well as playmakers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, as reasons the Vikings are a “great fit” for McCarthy.
McCarthy’s addition might potentially help contract negotiations with Jefferson.
Vikings’ Needs and Options on Day Two
The Vikings might still use help on the interiors of their defensive line, and numerous alternatives could fill one or more voids right away. Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton and McCarthy’s college teammate, Kris Jenkins, are still on the ballot.
However, the Vikings’ lack of selection money on Day 2 may complicate matters. They only have one pick: in the fourth round, at No. 108 overall.
They do have four picks on Day Three.
However, with only three picks in 2025 (a first-rounder and two fifth-round picks), they may need to capitalize on a couple of those to fill out the back end of the squad. Jefferson is expected to reset the market with his next contract, making value in other parts of the team critical.
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