Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has had mixed opinions from fans on his job thus far as the Vikings General Manager. Most of the negativity is surrounding his draft strategy. His most recent draft class appears to be solid, but we’ll wait to make any claims until they have played their first season. His debut draft class is the one that hasn’t necessarily panned out. Yet. Let’s take a look at three players that could help restore fans’ faith in Kwesi, and the Vikings defense.
Player 1: Akayleb Evans, Cornerback, Missouri
Photo From Akayleb Evans Twitter
I believe that Evans will start the season as the CB2. He got a decent amount of experience last season. When he played, he played pretty well. It was just the injuries that got to him. Unfortunately he is very susceptible to concussions, and part of that may have been due to his tackling form. He has worked with Vikings new inside linebackers coach Mike Siravo, to improve that and make the game safer for him. He is also trying out a new helmet style this season to see if that helps as well. If Evans is able to stay healthy, and play up to his potential from what we saw last season, he will be a major boost of confidence in the cornerback room. For the coaches and the fans.
Player 2: Brian Asamoah II, Linebacker, Oklahoma
Photo From Minnesota Vikings Official Website
I absolutely love Brian Asamoah, and I am super excited for him to have the chance to cement himself as a new starting linebacker. He plays with that intensity that you just can’t teach. He has the ability to make game changing plays, and fly around the field with his speed. The thing with him is developing consistency. He’ll need to improve his decision making, and become a reliable every down linebacker. If he can do those things, there is no reason that he won’t be the guy to fill the hole in the linebacker room.
Player 3: Lewis Cine, Safety, Georgia
Photo From Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
We’re all rooting for this kid, especially after the terrible turn of events last season. The first ever draft pick made by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has the chance to show us all who he really is. His first year was obviously cut way too short. This whole time after his injury he has been focused on two things. Attacking his rehab, and coming back better than ever. He did seem to recover remarkably quickly for an injury as bad as the one he sustained. Cine is another player that has that natural fiery mindset on the field. He should fit in well with a Flores style defense. While Cam Bynum has gotten by with play that is solid, Cine should be primed to make a run at the starting job over him to round out an aggressive defense.
With youth being the theme for this year, these guys will be huge factors in what Brian Flores will be trying to accomplish with the Vikings defense. Fans should be excited for them to have this opportunity, and Kwesi should be on the edge of his seat hoping that they will deliver.
