Adofo-Mensah's veteran acquisitions include quarterback Sam Darnold; tight end TJ Hockenson; running back Aaron Jones; offensive tackle Cam Robinson; defensive linemen Jerry Tillery, Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard; linebackers Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard; and cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin.

If you're very good at identifying current NFL talent and not so good at identifying 22-year-old college talent, then why not play to your strengths?

There is precedent for this in NFL history. Former Washington coach George Allen hated playing rookies, so he kept his veterans as long as possible and expanded his roster with veterans he could acquire, even though free agency wasn't a big deal in the old NFL .

Despite his reputation, Patriots coach and de facto GM Bill Belichick was a poor draft player during his stay in New England and made up for his lack of draft ability by retaining his most valuable veterans and filling his roster with experienced free agents Agents expanded.

It is a more expensive strategy than building through the draft. It is also more reliable.

Take a look at the players the Vikings acquired last offseason. Now look at the players available on the trade market at bargain prices this season – Davante Adams, Diontae Johnson, Ernest Jones, DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper. The highest price paid for these elite veterans: the conditional third-round pick the Jets sent to Las Vegas for Adams.