Originally posted by dj43:
For comparison, here is a portion of an Athletic article covering the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Vikings GM. Draft failures are listed as a primary reason. FA also played a role.
"Misses in the NFL Draft played a large role in this decision. Only one of the 10 picks in Adofo-Mensah's first draft became a full-time starter, and only two remain with the team. The Vikings have hit on three other starters in receiver Jordan Addison, kicker Will Reichard and left guard Donovan Jackson over the past three years. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, edge rusher Dallas Turner, defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez and defensive back Jay Ward have all shown flashes, too. However, the franchise's ownership deemed the standard to be higher."
"Meanwhile, Adofo-Mensah, 44, was unable to replicate the team's 2024 free-agent success this season. Minnesota used a bevy of cap space on aging veterans: defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, center Ryan Kelly and others. The team also failed to secure Daniel Jones as McCarthy's backup, leading to the acquisition of Sam Howell, who struggled during training camp and was later traded. The Vikings also opted against signing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who showed interest in playing for the team on a below-market-value salary, team sources said."
I like Lynch as a face of the franchise, but clearly, this team needs to do better in the draft. FA can play a role, but it is usually an expensive role. Hitting on the draft this year will likely determine his future.
Kwesi had a horrible 4yrs as the Vikings GM, he was horrible drafting, he gave up a lot picks to get Dallas Turner, he traded down for not much and allowed Detroit to take Jameson Williams, he passed on Kyle Hamilton to take Lewis Cine later in the 1st rd after trading down, he gave put ridiculous deals to overrated FAs like Hargrave, Allen, Kelly, Aaron Jones, the extension for Hockenson doesn't look good as he's missed a ton of games since he signed it, he let both Darnold & Jones leave as FAs, just a horrible job IMO, and I know Lynch hasn't hit on every pick, but he's done a way better job than Kwesi and the majority of the NFL has done, outside of the likes of Les Snead, John Schneider, Howie Roseman, and a few other who I don't know there name off the top of my head like the Bears GM, Chiefs GM, and I'm sure a few others, Lynch is right behind them compared to what the likes of the Raiders, Giants, Jets, Browns, Colts, and other teams' GMs have done or not done, as much as ppl liked and wanted Chris Ballard, he hasn't drafted well for Indy, and outside of a few deals like Buckner, he hasn't done a lot.
But yes the 49ers NEED to hit more, in the first 3 rounds, they always seem to find a gem in the 4th-7th rd and UDFAs, but they do need to hit the first 3 rounds more often, I do like the last 2 drafts, I have high hopes for Pearsall, Williams, Green, Collins, Stout, Puni, & West. and I do like the potential of James, Sigle, Bethune, Cowing(if he can stay healthy), & Watkins, the future is bright as long as they stay smart, especially with their salary cap, don't overpay for the big names, don't send out enormous amounts of picks to bring in high priced vets, sorry but I don't see a way they are able to bring in other Crosby & Jefferson without giving up multiple 1st and 2nd rd picks and the fact that both have high salaries, it's just tough to see them able to afford both, 1 maybe, but I'd prefer them to build through the draft, and sign underrated FAs like we did with Mooney a few yrs back.
