As the 2023 NFL offseason concludes, teams and fans alike are taking a closer look at each franchise’s strategic decisions and player movements. The Minnesota Vikings, in particular, have come under scrutiny for their offseason activities. Analysts and enthusiasts are eager to dissect the choices made by the team as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season, with many expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of their strategy.

In a detailed analysis conducted behind the E$PN paywall, analyst Seth Walder has evaluated the offseason performance of every NFL team, assigning the Minnesota Vikings a disappointing grade of C-. This rating is among the lowest in the league, reflecting widespread concerns about the team’s direction. Only three other teams received lower scores: the Dallas Cowboys at D+, and both the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints with D grades. The low evaluation raises questions about the Vikings’ future prospects.

Here’s a closer look at Walder’s insights regarding the Vikings’ offseason decisions, particularly those made by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:

The Vikings made headlines by signing Sam Darnold, who is viewed as a competent backup quarterback but lacks the spark of a franchise player. Their offseason strategy seemed to focus on acquiring promising rookies. Initially, the decision to trade a future second-round pick to move up from 42 to 23 raised eyebrows. Critics argue that what Minnesota sacrificed appeared to outweigh the potential gains, especially when it was assumed that this move was part of a broader plan to secure a top quarterback with their No. 11 pick. When it became clear that this was not the case, the decision seemed increasingly questionable.

While the Vikings faced challenges in trading up to secure a top-three pick, it’s important to recognize that trading requires the cooperation of both parties. Credit is due to the Vikings for exercising restraint and not hastily moving up for J.J. McCarthy until they were just one pick away, successfully trading with the Jets to select him at No. 10. However, later in the draft, Minnesota made a controversial trade to ascend from 23 to 17 for Dallas Turner, which was a costly maneuver. When assessing both trades collectively, moving from 42 to 17 resulted in a steep price, raising concerns about the overall strategy.

As I’ve noted in previous discussions, the true measure of whether the Vikings “overpaid” for Dallas Turner won’t surface for several years. If Turner succeeds and becomes a standout player in Minnesota, the initial costs will fade into the background. The critical factor will be his performance on the field, which will ultimately justify the sacrifices made to draft him.

While it may seem that Minnesota has relinquished a significant amount in trades, the potential upside of acquiring a talent like Turner—who is considered one of the premier defensive prospects in this draft—could prove to be worth it. If he fulfills his potential, fans and analysts alike will likely overlook the sacrifices made to bring him on board during Draft night.

Current sentiment suggests that the Vikings haven’t made substantial improvements this offseason, and for some analysts, this perception is likely to persist. However, those who hold this view may be in for a surprise as the season progresses and the team takes to the field in September. The reality of the game often reveals insights that offseason assessments may overlook, and the Vikings could very well defy expectations.