Are the Vikings Eyeing a Game-Changing Running Back in the Draft?
As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for a crucial offseason, one position that shouldn’t be overlooked is running back. With Aaron Jones and Cam Akers hitting free agency, the Vikings face a decision: re-sign one or both veterans or find a long-term solution in the upcoming NFL Draft.
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Minnesota might choose the latter. In his recent mock draft, Brugler projects the Vikings selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the 24th overall pick. Johnson would be the second RB off the board, following Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up, who goes 20th to the Broncos.
“Anyone who watched the Vikings’ playoff collapse to the Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason,” Brugler wrote. “But assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here. Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32, as well. The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme, and his impact would help open the passing game.”
Why Kaleb Johnson?
Johnson delivered a breakout season for Iowa as a junior, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 12 games while averaging a stellar 6.4 yards per carry. He also proved his versatility, catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two scores. Johnson consistently delivered, scoring in every game and surpassing 160 rushing yards five times.
While Jeanty may have stolen the spotlight with over 2,700 total yards and 30 touchdowns, Johnson’s combination of burst, vision, and contact balance makes him an excellent fit for Minnesota’s offense, particularly in their outside-zone scheme.
The Vikings’ Ground Game Needs a Spark
Although running back might not seem like the Vikings’ most urgent need, their struggles in the ground game under Kevin O’Connell are hard to ignore. Over the last three seasons, Minnesota ranks 30th in EPA per rush, with slight year-to-year improvement: 29th in 2022, 25th in 2023, and 22nd in 2024.
Despite a solid year from Aaron Jones, who played every game in 2024, the Vikings’ rushing efficiency remained mediocre. Jones, now 30, also poses an injury risk moving forward. Adding Johnson (6’0″, 225 pounds), who is significantly bigger than Jones (5’9″, 208), could provide the physicality and durability Minnesota needs, particularly in the red zone, where they’ve struggled to finish drives with rushing touchdowns.
What’s Next?
The Vikings have the sixth-most cap space in the league, providing flexibility to address their offensive line in free agency. If they can solidify the trenches, investing in a young, dynamic running back like Kaleb Johnson might be the missing piece to unlock their offense.
With free agency looming and the draft on the horizon, the Vikings face some pivotal decisions. Will they double down on their current roster, or will a rising star like Johnson lead the way to a rejuvenated run game? Stay tuned.
