Vikings Clearly Know RB Is an Issue
It’s NFL Combine week, and that means Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gearing up for significant NFL Draft work. Free agency will help to outline some of the blueprint that Minnesota must utilize, but it’s the draft where the most cost-controlled assets come.
Vikings Clearly Know RB Is an Issue
As things stand currently, the Vikings have just a single veteran running back on their roster. Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are both free agents, so Ty Chandler is the only one left standing. That’s obviously a problem, and they have already shown a level of hesitancy when giving over the reigns to Chandler.
It’s beyond a certainty that the Vikings will acquire a running back, or two, in some form or fashion this offseason. The reality is that they quickly jumped at an opportunity to meet with the top draft choice in Ashton Jeanty, which reveals some cards as well.
Of course, plenty of the combine is about doing a level of due diligence. Front office members and the coaching staff need to utilize the time to meet with every possible draftee. Knowing that, though, there can’t be wasted time on potential picks that aren’t even logical.
Jeanty plays a position that Minnesota needs, but it stands to reason he will be long gone before they make a selection at 24th overall. If the meeting they have with him sways anything, it could change some of their draft strategy and put them in a position to move forward and grab him if that’s the path they choose.
One meeting certainly doesn’t guarantee an outcome, but it is exciting to think about Minnesota putting a renewed level of value on the running back position. They haven’t had stability there since the best years of Dalvin Cook or Adrian Peterson. Jones gave them some last season, but it was coupled with lackluster interior line play that watered down total efficiency.
There’s never going to be a reality where Kevin O’Connell leans entirely on the run. He is an offensive-minded head coach, and he utilizes wide receiver weapons through the arm of the quarterback. Still, having a back that can use a revamped line and open up the passing game is an exciting proposition.
Maybe it’s not Jeanty. Most likely it won’t be. At least they know it’s an issue and something they are serious about.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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