The Minnesota Vikings have two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah understands the significance of finding a new quarterback, but he’s fixating on any singular other.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Adofo-Mensah explained that he sees several prospects as potential fits depending on their cost. By not using a premium pick on the position, he could surround a later selection with a stronger supporting cast.
“There are multiple guys that we are in love with just on an outright basis,” Adofo-Mensah said, via Pro Football Talk. “But there’s also other guys we’re in love with given what, if we get them at a certain value, what they’d also be able to come with. … If the guy has less ability but we have assets to go get somebody who is not going to put him in that situation, those things add up, too.”
Adofo-Mensah doesn’t want to put all his eggs in one basket.
“A lot of times, evaluators can be a little one-track mind. ‘This is the guy and nobody else.’ That’s not how it’s been,” he continued. “We’ve really come to appreciate how guys get to their answer in a different way, and I think that’s going to serve us well.”
The Vikings acquired the No. 23 pick from the Houston Texans, a move that could help them trade up into the top 10 to draft their preferred quarterback. However, Adofo-Mensah called the trade an “insurance” policy to offer more flexibility.
He also wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of not picking any quarterback depending on how the draft unfolds.
“I think it’s a very deep class, but I do think you have to be ready for every scenario,” he said. “If there’s elite players at premium positions on the board, I don’t think you’re supposed to reach.”