The 4 Most Likely RBs for Vikings to Draft
The Minnesota Vikings currently employ four running backs on the April depth chart: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, and Zavier Scott.
The 4 Most Likely RBs for Vikings to Draft
Next week’s draft is already renowned for complete and utter RB depth, so there’s a reasonable chance that the Vikings exit the event with one.
The current iteration of Vikings leadership seems to require pass protection as a prerequisite for running back employment, meaning the following four rookie halfbacks — all block somewhat well — are the most likely to turn purple during the draft.
They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely to become a Viking).
4. Dylan Sampson
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 200
40 Speed: 4.42
College: Tennessee
Age at Draft Time: 20
Draft Round Projection: Round 3
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 89
Why Sampson?
Sampson is the man who could enter the mix if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wishes to use his 97th overall pick on a running back. He accounted for oodles of chunk plays at Tennessee and has phenomenal burst + on-the-field speed.
The knocks on him include a lack of pass-catching experience and ball security.
What the World Says about Sampson
NFL Draft Buzz on Sampson: “The tape shows a dynamic runner whose success transcends scheme – Sampson’s elite acceleration and precise footwork made him lethal in both gap and zone concepts at Tennessee. His rapid mental processing stands out in pre-snap recognition, and he consistently manipulates second-level defenders with subtle tempo changes.”
“The natural instincts and spatial awareness can’t be taught – watch how he sets up blocks against Alabama and Florida, letting plays develop before exploding through creases.”
3. Damien Martinez
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 220
40 Speed: 4.50
College: Miami (FL)
Age at Draft Time: 21
Draft Round Projection: Round 4
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 115
Why Martinez?
Martinez is a downhill runner who would help the Vikings solve their redzone rushing touchdown woes. Those are a real thing. He’s not incredibly fast in RB-speak, and he was popped for a DUI two years ago, indicating some character concerns. But Adofo-Mensah has shown a willingness to take flyers on suspect “character guys.”
What the World Says about Martinez
The Draft Network‘s Ryan Fowler on Martinez: “Martinez projects as a potential featured ball-carrier in a pro offense. A physically imposing ball-carrier, Martinez has the traits to succeed in both zone/gap schemes with the vision and creativity to consistently gain chunk plays. While the 2025 RB class has a long list of explosive ball-carriers, there aren’t many that can overwhelm and wear down a front seven with burst and physicality like Martinez can.”
2. Kalel Mullings
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225
40 Speed: 4.62
College: Michigan
Age at Draft Time: 22
Draft Round Projection: Round 6
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 197
Why Mullings?
Mullings has three things going for him if he wants to join the Vikings’ roster:
- The franchise already spent a Top 30 visit on him.
- He was a teammate of J.J. McCarthy at Michigan.
- He’s huge and will help the goal line rushing scenarios.
He is, however, not a pass-catching option whatsoever.
What the World Says about Mullings
Pro Football Focus on Mullings, who it compared to former NFLer Rashad Jennings from the New York Giants of yesteryear: “Mullings’ game lacks some nuance and patience due to his limited time as a full-time running back. However, his linebacker background, special teams experience, size, and mentality for yards after contact should make him an intriguing developmental prospect for an NFL team.”
1. Brashard Smith
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 200
40 Speed: 4.39
College: SMU
Age at Draft Time: 22
Draft Round Projection: Round 5
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 151
Why Smith?
Like Mullings, Smith met with the Vikings during the draft’s build-up and would be a prime pick with the selection at the very start of Round 5. He’s a versatile weapon — the best receiver of this foursome — who can also play special teams. He might be perfect behind Jones and Mason on Sundays.
What the World Says about Smith
NFL.com‘s Lance Zierlein on Smith: “Undersized running back who transferred from Miami and switched positions from wide receiver. Smith lacks ideal size and displays some hesitation in his early reads but is slippery over the first two levels, using quick cuts and spin moves to elude tacklers.”
“He has a feel for finding soft spots along the interior but has average speed to turn the corner on wide runs. He could get pushed up a full round thanks to his ball skills and ability to run routes in space. Smith shined as a kick returner at Miami and will likely get that chance in the pros as a third-down back with room for development.”
The Vikings could also pursue the undrafted free agent market after the draft, perhaps Syracuse’s LeQuint Allen Jr.
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