One of the Vikings’ key positional needs that should not be overlooked this offseason is at running back, particularly with Aaron Jones and Cam Akers both set to become free agents. While the team may attempt to re-sign one or both players, they might also look to secure a long-term solution at the position in April’s draft, potentially as early as the first round.
In a recent mock draft from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, the Vikings address this need by selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the 24th overall pick. Johnson is the second running back off the board, following Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, who is chosen at No. 20 by the Broncos.
“Anyone who saw the Vikings’ playoff collapse against the Rams knows that Minnesota must make significant improvements to its offensive line this offseason. But assuming those upgrades happen in free agency, the Vikings could turn to running back here. While Jeanty will likely dominate the Round 1 running back conversation, Johnson also deserves to be a first-round pick. He would be a perfect fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme and his presence would help open up the passing game.”
- Kaleb Johnson
Johnson had an outstanding junior season at Iowa, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 12 games, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, scoring in every game and surpassing 160 yards on five occasions. Though not on the same level as Jeanty, who accumulated over 2,700 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns in 14 games, Johnson is a strong contender.
His speed, vision, and balance through contact would make him a great fit for the Vikings’ offense. While running back might not seem like the most urgent need for Minnesota, the team has struggled to run the ball effectively under Kevin O’Connell. Over the last three seasons, they’ve ranked 30th in EPA per rush, finishing 29th in 2022, 25th in 2023, and 22nd in 2024. This inefficiency is partly due to issues with O’Connell’s system and the offensive line. Even with a strong season from Jones in 2024, the Vikings saw only slight improvement in their rushing efficiency.
Jones, now 30, remains somewhat injury-prone, despite playing all 16 games this season. Adding a player like Johnson, combined with improvements to the interior offensive line, could be what the Vikings need to elevate their rushing attack. Johnson’s size (6’0″, 225 pounds) also gives him an advantage over Jones (5’9″, 208 pounds), especially in short-yardage situations in the red zone, where the Vikings have struggled to finish drives with rushing touchdowns.
Leave a Reply