The Minnesota Vikings have a few options for their running back situation next season. They could re-sign Aaron Jones at 31 years old, or they might attempt to trade up in the draft to land Ashton Jeanty. However, there’s a less obvious third option that makes sense if upgrading the running back position is a priority in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, the Vikings could select Iowa Hawkeyes standout Kaleb Johnson with the No. 24 overall pick.
While it’s clear the Vikings need to address their offensive line after their playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, assuming those upgrades come through free agency, they could focus on bolstering the running back position with their first-round pick.
- Kaleb Johnson
Jeanty will likely dominate the Round 1 running back conversation, but Johnson also deserves a spot in the top 32. The 21-year-old back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme, and his presence would enhance their passing game. Johnson rushed for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns for Iowa in 2024.
Although Aaron Jones was a valuable player for the Vikings last season and one of the best free-agent acquisitions, his price-to-production ratio could become less favorable in 2025 if he seeks a raise from the $7 million he earned last year. Given his injury history and the trend of running backs declining after turning 30, the Vikings may want to look at younger, more cost-effective alternatives like Johnson.
Leave a Reply