Vikings Doing Homework on J.J. McCarthy’s Buddy
If the Minnesota Vikings want to reunite quarterback J.J. McCarthy with any of his 2023 Michigan teammates, well, the franchise will have options.
Vikings Doing Homework on J.J. McCarthy’s Buddy
Oodles of Wolverines will be drafted later this month, and McCarthy is set to take the reins of Minnesota’s QB1 job.
And it just so happens that Minnesota met with one McCarthy Michigan teammate already: running back Kalel Mullings.
Vikings Meet with Michigan RB Kalel Mullings
NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport tweeted Monday, “Visits: The Commanders are set to host Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston and Louisville CB Quincy Riley on Top 30 visits tomorrow. The Lions hosted Texas WR Matthew Golden over the weekend. Another one for today: The Vikings hosted Michigan RB Kalel Mullings on a Top 30 visit, source said.”
Minnesota’s running back position is pretty well stocked, with Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Ty Chandler on the April depth chart. But with this year’s draft class so deep at running back, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could add a rookie runner and explore offloading Chandler later this summer.
And Adofo-Mensah now has Mullings’ business card.
Kalel Mullings’ Scouting Report
Mullings is a bowling-ball running back — the kind Minnesota has not employed since the departure of Latavius Murray eight years ago. He’s 6’2″ and 230 pounds, with 4.62 speed (nothing too exciting on the speed).
NFL Draft Buzz profiles Mullings: “Mullings brings a bruising, north-south running style to the table that will appeal to teams looking for a power back. His blend of size and surprising burst allows him to punish defenders and pick up tough yardage between the tackles. The former linebacker’s football instincts shine through in his vision and ability to set up blocks, suggesting room for growth as he gains more experience in the backfield.”
“In the passing game, Mullings is still a work in progress. While his background as a defender gives him an edge in pass protection, his route-running and receiving skills need development. His willingness to contribute on special teams will endear him to NFL coaches and could be his ticket to early playing time while he refines his offensive skill set.”
Mullings will turn 23 in October, so he’s not overly young, nor too old for a rookie.
NBD added, “Scheme fit will be crucial for Mullings’ success at the next level. A team employing a downhill, power-running offense could maximize his potential early in his career. As he develops, Mullings has the tools to grow into a reliable short-yardage and goal-line back with the upside to handle a larger workload in the right system.”
It’s worth noting that Minnesota has struggled with rushing the football in goal line situations since Dalvin Cook left after the 2022 campaign.
Where in the Draft?
Minnesota doesn’t have to spring for Mullings until late — a part of the perk to his scouting report. He might even go undrafted, potentially prompting an undrafted free agency contract from Adofo-Mensah, which he is semi-famous for after adding Ivan Pace Jr. in 2023.
The Consensus Big Board situates Mullings at No. 201, meaning he should go off the draftboard sometime in Round 7. Round 6 or UDFA could also occur.
Mock Draft Example
Last month, Cole Smith of PurplePTSD and VikingsWire mock-drafted Mullings to Minnesota in Round 5.
“Aaron Jones is returning for his ninth season, and the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason on Saturday, but Minnesota still looks to take advantage of a deep running back class. Mullings ran 185 times for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025,” he wrote.
“He doesn’t add much in the passing game, catching only eight passes over the past two seasons, but he adds another option to the running game. Mullings could find more playing time in 2026 with Jones being another year older.”
Other Michigan Teammates of McCarthy
If Adofo-Mensah is interested in drafting more Wolverines this cycle, these men should reasonably be available:
- Colston Loveland (TE)
- Kenneth Grant (DT)
- Josaiah Stewart (EDGE)
- Donovan Edwards (RB)
- Myles Hinton (OT)
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