2024 Senior Bowl Day 2 Results: O’Connell and Others Join ‘Start Line’ for Draft

ALABASTER, AL — “The draft starts in Mobile” is the tagline that the Reese’s Senior Bowl came up with.

Along with head coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, there were more Vikings at the starting line on Wednesday. These players were among those in attendance for the two practice sessions of the day.

With three assistants coaching the National Team for the 75th annual game, Minnesota already has some insider access.

At midfield, O’Connell spent a lot of time with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the coaching staff moved from season mode to analyzing data from Minnesota’s college scouts.

Adofo-Mensah spoke with Vikings.com in between practices regarding the college scouting department’s function in supplying coaches and other members of the

In less than three months, the personnel department will be heading to the draft.

From a collegiate perspective, they serve as this organization’s eyes, ears, and personal shoppers. Adofo-Mensah remarked, “They prepared the table for us with such amazing skill. They assist me in sort of formulating things, and when you talk about the trade deadline, you have to be aware of impending events in order to make wise selections. Thus, they perform admirably here. Not only are they going to see the movie, but they also need to determine the kind of individual we are inviting. Are these maybe Vikings? Are they able to represent us in the manner that we desire? It is quite beneficial. That seems to be the

Although every practice representative’s tape is available to coaches remotely, Minnesota prioritized in-person chances.

In the end, you’re looking for information. Adofo-Mensah remarked, “For me, the information I’m looking for differs slightly from some of my scouts.” Since I don’t travel by car very often, this is an opportunity for me to get up close and personal. Funny thing is, I was the data guy in my previous role, so I didn’t really understand what it meant to pass by a guy, watch him interact with his teammates, and all that kind of stuff. Now that I’ve seen a guy on film, I’m looking for something specific, like, “Hey, let me see a guy in 1-on-1s.”

because these college schemes occasionally prevent you from seeing certain things.

“You can find a lot of answers to your questions here. Apart from that, Adofo-Mensah stated, “it’s really about connecting with your NFL community.” “It’s been great talking with people but always learning and trying to get to that draft day where you get all the information and you’re trying to make as best of decisions as you can.”

Adofo-Mensah had only started her job two years prior, and she was heavily involved in the hiring process that resulted in O’Connell’s hiring. Adofo-Mensah made her Senior Bowl debut in this capacity last year. During the trip, Flores was contacted and the group of players from the previous season—which featured Vikings 2023 rookies Ivan Pace, Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Jay Ward, and Andre Carter II—was evaluated.

Hall Jaren.

“I recall our conversation,” said Flo. Adofo-Mensah stated, “He’s high on that list of guys that are just so passionate about this that this is what he wants to be doing at all times.” “He’s simply an excellent instructor and assessor. There are many stories that I recall. A number of players sprang to mind, including Andre Carter, who I saw here. Try not to compare the one rep to the number of games you watch during a college career, but it’s important to focus on certain aspects. Being down here is a blessing.”

According to Vikings Director of College Scouting Mike Sholiton, scouts’ information from wide sweeps last fall is now being sent to coaches this week.

“When new information comes in, we’re able to get that to the coaches and to the evaluation process and hopefully come out to a nice group consensus of how the player fits and can impact our team,” Sholiton explained.

Scouts benefit from O’Connell and the offense’s continuity as they enter their third season and Flores’ return for a second.

“Having familiarity with the plays in our offensive and defensive schemes is very beneficial as it helps us comprehend the coaches’ perspectives on the game.”

and to make an effort to enlist players who are capable of playing and who are aware of their potential roles,” Sholiton stated.