Access Vikings

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says he has a unique leadership style. How will that form the Vikings' approach to drafting? What positions will the team value under his leadership? Will they even stay at pick No. 12? If so, who's in play? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Ben Goessling and Michael Rand take a two weeks out look at the NFL draft and try to project what the Vikings will do with the No. 12 pick. Almost everyone is projecting them to take a corner -- which is a smart and logical move -- but other options are in play. Plus they will get into Kirk Cousins' comments earlier in the week about retiring as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and answer a bunch of burning listener questions.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made one splash, signing ex-Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, which is the biggest sign for how the team's new leadership views roster building. Because there haven't been many other moves so far. Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss this "competitive rebuild" and how the Vikings might be able to, as Adofo-Mensah says, "win in the margins."

The Vikings' new brain trust said a lot in Indianapolis, but what can be gleaned about top storylines from quarterback Kirk Cousins to defensive end Danielle Hunter? Andrew Krammer sits down with Purple Insider's Matthew Coller in a corner of the Indiana Convention Center to discuss.

What were first impressions of the new guy? What could you really glean from answers about the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins? What kind of change will come with O'Connell, and which players will that affect? What about a 3-4 defensive front under new coordinator Ed Donatell? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings' coaching search ended this week after a winding path. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the team landed on Kevin O'Connell over Jim Harbaugh, and what that means moving forward. They also open up the mailbag and answer some of your questions.

The Vikings have a new general manager from a unique background. What did Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have to say about coming from data analysis instead of scouting? What does that mean for changes to come? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the leader at TCO Performance Center in Eagan and answer some of your questions.

Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said he wouldn't box himself into a candidate for GM or head coach, and the team has since made one of the NFL's most unconventional front office hires in former Browns VP of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Adofo-Mensah's path to Minnesota and what that means for the head coach search.

The Vikings' internal search team, which includes the Wilf ownership group and remaining football operations staff, has eight known candidates for both general manager and head coaching jobs. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the lists, more details from the previous leadership, the NFL playoffs and answer your questions on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks and right tackle Brian O'Neill said a lot when talking about what the Vikings need in a leadership change, revealing more about the iron fist with which Mike Zimmer used as his leading approach. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' culture under Zimmer and Rick Spielman, as well as what's ahead in the searches for general manager and head coach.

An apathetic crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium met the Vikings' season finale with the same level of hype derived from Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Zimmer not caring about Justin Jefferson's shot at history, what comes next for the franchise, as well as what might've been Anthony Barr's last Vikings game.

Are there two coaches approaching the end of their times in Minnesota and Chicago on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the second consecutive losing season under coach Mike Zimmer, which can bring about change in the NFL.

The Vikings didn't run the ball enough and don't have a rookie quarterback worth evaluating in this regular season, at least according to Mike Zimmer after Sunday night's loss in Green Bay. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins react to Zimmer's postgame comments, quarterback Sean Mannion's start and the direction of the franchise from Lambeau Field.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer embrace their inner sports talk radio by discussing the NFC playoff field, the Vikings' chances on Sunday, and safety Harrison Smith's current outlook at the Hall of Fame ahead of Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field.

Receiver Justin Jefferson said he could tell the team didn't have energy as soon as he entered the Vikings locker room before Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Rams. Linebacker Anthony Barr said the crowd wasn't in it. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap an offense that couldn't get out of the starting blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cornerback Bashaud Breeland didn't work out, and the Vikings offense enters another game in which its offensive line may be overmatched. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand use the power of hindsight to dissect general manager Rick Spielman's decisions, as well as look ahead to Sunday's Vikings-Rams game that'll challenge Minnesota's playoff hopes.

Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields didn't look good. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins wasn't a whole lot better in an ugly 17-9 win on Monday Night Football. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Cousins, Fields and the playoff chase from Soldier Field.

The Vikings' annual trip to Chicago is often full of twists and turns. In a 2021 season full of those, what should we expect for Monday night at Soldier Field? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand talk about Vikings-Bears games through the years and this matchup between Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields.

The Vikings nearly blew a 29-0 lead to the Steelers, with some of the same issues showing up in their lack of cornerback depth or a consistent four-man pass rush. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap another wild ending from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Linebacker Anthony Barr was named the Vikings' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in what could be his eighth and final season with Minnesota. Ben Goessling, Michael Rand and Andrew Krammer discuss Barr's work on and off the field. They also look back at Mike Zimmer's defense in Detroit and answer your Twitter questions.