Ranking Kwesi’s 28 Draft Picks

A few notes: We’ll focus on the impact the players had on the Vikings, not elsewhere. The draft slot will be considered. Finding a rotational player in the 7th round is great; finding that in the 1st round is a problem.

Out of respect, Khyree Jackson, who was selected in the 2024 Draft, will not be included in the list.

27. Lewis Cine

His first pick was also the worst. Safety Cine was selected with the 32nd pick in 2022 after a controversial trade-down. He played in ten games with the Vikings, mostly contributing on special teams with a whopping one tackle. Adofo-Mensah released his first-ever choice in the summer of 2024.

26. Andrew Booth

Cornerback Booth went 41st overall in 2022. He was considered a promising talent with injury concerns and unfortunately, those continued in the Twin Cities. The Vikings shipped him to Dallas during the 2024 preseason. He was not the worst player on the list, but the production of 23 games and 256 defensive snaps was undoubtedly not worth a 2nd rounder.

25. Kobe King

King, picked 201st last year, was cut in October and the New York Jets claimed him off waivers. He played five games and made four tackles with the Vikings. There was nothing wrong with the pick in a vacuum, but combined with the exit, the selection was a flop.

24. Esezi Otomewo

Minnesota alumnus Otomewo is the forgotten 5th-rounder from 2022, going 165th overall. In his rookie season, he appeared in five games as a rotational player, but he was axed when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. Drafted for a different scheme, Otomewo played for the Jaguars in 2024 and the Steelers in 2025.

23. DeWayne McBride

Running back McBride was a 7th-rounder in 2023. The UAB prospect dominated in the Conference USA, but never got a shot in the NFL. Folks had high hopes for him, but he looked pretty slow in the preseason and has never seen an NFL field in the regular season.

22. Jaren Hall

Turner has emerged as a true difference-maker in the second half of his sophomore year. Actually, it’s not that hard to make the case that he’s the best player on the list except for the man at the top spot, but he did cost the 17th overall pick, even if we’re ignoring the expensive trades that led to the pick landing in Minnesota. The eight sacks in 2025 are a reason for hope that he can turn into a longterm star for the Vikings.

3. Jordan Addison

Wideout Addison, the 23rd pick in 2023, has been a real weapon for the Vikings in his first three seasons. Of course, the off-field headlines are annoying, but there’s no denying that he can play the game. In 41 games, Addison has generated 2,499 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns.

2. Jalen Nailor

After three straight first-rounders, here’s a 6th-rounder who has quietly put together a decent rookie contract stint. After early career injury problems, Nailor has been a reliable WR3 for two consecutive seasons. He logged 1,066 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons.

1. Will Reichard

PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt