Vikings rank last in the league in getting production from crucial group of players

The Minnesota Vikings have had very mixed results in the NFL Draft over the last few seasons for a multitude of reasons. From misses on picks to injuries and players unfortunately passing away, there are a lot of reasons why the Vikings have struggled on an overall level in the draft.

Even though the hits are massive like wide receiver Justin Jefferson , left tackle Christian Darrisaw , safety Camryn Bynum, wide receiver Jordan Addison and (seemingly) quarterback J.J. McCarthy , it's the misses like safety Lewis Cine, cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. and the disastrous third round in 2021 that garnered the most attention from fans.

Vikings aren't getting rookie contract production

One of the biggest criticisms that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah receives from the media and the Vikings fanbase is the lack of success on an overall level in the NFL Draft.

Thanks to KC Sports Network's Joseph Jefe, we know how much production on a snap count basis each team has. Right now, the Vikings currently have the least amount of snaps from players currently on rookie contracts thus far in the 2024 season.

The Vikings are currently 158 snaps behind the Atlanta Falcons for 31st and they have essentially redshirted their rookie class through three games. It's also alarming to see the Green Bay Packers' 2022 class having 263 more snaps than the Vikings' last four draft classes by themselves.

Now, there are a lot of factors at play here. Cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon and Khyree Jackson were supposed to play major factors this season, but the former tore his ACL in training camp and the latter passed away in a tragic car accident this past July.

Also, injuries have played a major factor for those players. Addison has missed two full games while inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and edge rusher Dallas Turner each missed last week. Now, injuries do happen to your players and it's not an excuse per se, but if they had all stayed healthy, the Vikings would likely be upward of 5-6 spots higher on this graphic.

Of the three years on this graphic, you would hope the Vikings were in a better spot with both their third and fourth year players. Those are the guys you want to be major contributors for your football team. Getting rookie production can be good, but you don't want to force those guys onto the field either.

Is this a big deal? Considering the Vikings' 3-0 start and how many key contributors on rookie contracts are dealing with injuries, it's not that big of a deal. It also needs to be taken into account that the Vikings gave up significant assets to acquire T.J. Hockenson, which helps explain some of the lack of production.

It's a mixed bag for the success of the Vikings draft in recent years and it's a controversial topic among Vikings fans. However, there has been a lot of success as well. When you land the number one wide receiver in the NFL along with a potential franchise quarterback without trading significant assets and a top-five left tackle, you are doing something right.

Related: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson throws major shade at Packers star ahead of Sunday's border battle