Key Takeaways:
– The signing of cornerback Shaquill Griffin by Minnesota Vikings GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, has sparked controversy.
– Analysts criticize the move as burning a third-round pick, despite the team’s apparent expectation of receiving only one third-round compensatory pick for the 2025 season.
– The Vikings seem to contend that they didn’t expect a second third-round pick, which was supposedly eased out due to the Griffin signing.
Controversy Surrounds Vikings’ Griffin Signing
The decision by Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to sign veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin back in March has led to a significant amount of scrutiny. Griffin, who signed on with a one-year, $4.55 million deal, is a solid contender and expected starter this season. Yet, the emphasis now lies on the impending third-round draft picks, according to projections from Over The Cap on May 6.
Compensatory Picks Draw Attention
This controversy is centered on the Vikings’ latest compensatory pick projections. They were reportedly predicted to receive two third-round compensatory picks for their 2025 draft. This came after the loss of Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter in free agency. However, Griffin’s signing increased their incoming Compensatory Free Agents (CFAs) count to five. As a result, they now have one fewer player than they lost. Consequently, this addition negated the pick the Vikings were set to receive because of Hunter’s departure.
Adofo-Mensah’s Perspective
Despite the scrutiny, Adofo-Mensah’s management garnered attention for their savvy first-round replacements. During the draft, they took on rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner in exchange for Cousins and Hunter. Yet, Ben Goessling of Star Tribune shed light on the oversight within the team’s projections. As it seems, the Vikings never planned on receiving two compensatory picks.
Viking’s Predictions Explained
Goessling revealed that the Vikings were only expecting one, and only one, third-round pick. The assumption was this would come from their loss of Cousins. The Vikings theorized that Jonathan Greenard’s deal would offset Danielle Hunter’s contract. Thus, they were not envisioning two third-round picks in their future. This revelation came to light during Goessling’s appearance on KFAN radio and was further expanded on via his social media posts.
Factors Impacting Compensatory Picks
The compensatory pick formula fluctuates and relies on factors such as in-season performance and offseason transfers. Over The Cap’s Nick Korte predicted Jonathan Greenard to play fewer snaps than Hunter did last year. If Greenard can match his 2023 snap percentage or exceed it, his formula value will rise, potentially cancelling Hunter’s compensatory pick.
Adofo-Mensah’s New Strategies Observed
Adofo-Mensah’s trade-down practices in his initial two drafts drew comparisons with Rick Spielman’s approach. However, this year, Adofo-Mensah deviated from his usual strategy. In the first round, he traded up twice, resulting in fewer late-round picks. Correspondingly, the shift in Adofo-Mensah’s approach seemed to signal an acceptance of the importance of early draft picks.
As the dust settles, the reaction and speculation about the GM’s moves continue. Despite the initial skepticism, the Viking’s actions may yet prove to be the right strategy for the upcoming season.