2 'Kwesi Guys' Hit It Big in Life after Vikings

Minnesota's much-criticized 2022 draft class is changing the narrative with big second contracts.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Two members of the Minnesota Vikings' 2022 draft class, guard Ed Ingram and wide receiver Jalen Nailor, have signed lucrative second contracts with other NFL teams, giving new context to a draft class that was once widely criticized. Ingram, a former second-round pick, has emerged as one of the league's top interior linemen with the Houston Texans, while Nailor has become a key part of the Las Vegas Raiders' receiving corps. The success of these 'Kwesi guys' is changing the perception of the Vikings' 2022 draft class, which was orchestrated by former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Why it matters

The Vikings' 2022 draft class was initially viewed as a disaster, but the success of Ingram and Nailor in signing lucrative second contracts with other teams is altering that narrative. It shows that Adofo-Mensah, who was recently hired by the San Francisco 49ers, was able to find value in the mid- and late-rounds of the draft, even if his top picks struggled. This could provide a fresh perspective on Adofo-Mensah's abilities as a talent evaluator.

The details

Ed Ingram, a former second-round pick by the Vikings, struggled during his three seasons in Minnesota, allowing 129 pressures in 48 games. However, he has emerged as one of the league's top interior linemen with the Houston Texans, earning a three-year, $37.5 million contract. Meanwhile, Jalen Nailor, a sixth-round pick in 2022, signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming their WR1 despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in a season with the Vikings.

  • In March 2025, the Vikings traded Ingram to the Texans for a 6th-round pick.
  • On March 13, 2026, the Texans and Ingram agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract.
  • On March 13, 2026, the Raiders signed Nailor to a three-year, $35 million contract.

The players

Ed Ingram

A former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 who struggled during his three seasons with the team, but has emerged as one of the league's top interior linemen with the Houston Texans.

Jalen Nailor

A sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 who signed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming their WR1 despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in a season with the Vikings.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

The former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings who drafted Ingram and Nailor in 2022, and was recently hired by the San Francisco 49ers as a personnel executive.

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What they’re saying

“The Texans and guard Ed Ingram have agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per sources informed of the pact. The deal includes $23.5 million in guarantees.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider (NFL.com)

“It's quite a turn for the former second-round pick, who was shipped out of Minnesota last year for spare parts after struggling mightily for three campaigns — 129 pressures allowed in 48 games with the Vikings. In Houston, Ingram wasn't a finished product but looked much closer to the player worthy of a second-round pick. He was the Texans' best run blocker.”

— Kevin Patra, NFL.com Reporter (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will look to build on the success of their 2022 draft class, particularly Ingram and Nailor, as they aim to improve their roster and return to the playoffs in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The success of Ingram and Nailor in signing lucrative second contracts with other teams shows that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's 2022 draft class for the Vikings was not the disaster it was once perceived to be. While his top picks struggled, Adofo-Mensah was able to find value in the mid- and late-rounds, providing hope that he can be a successful talent evaluator as he transitions to his new role with the San Francisco 49ers.