5 Options at RB for the Vikings 1st Draft Pick
In four weeks, the first round of the 2025 NFL draft will be in the books, and we will know who the latest first-round draft pick is for the Minnesota Vikings — unless Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has traded out of the first round. This will be the first of a series of articles examining the options at different positions for the Vikings’ first draft pick.
5 Options at RB for the Vikings 1st Draft Pick
I will start by looking at running backs. This position has been hot and cold per realism for Minnesota, and it might be looked at early in this year’s draft. Re-signing Aaron Jones and trading for Jordan Mason meant running back was no longer a desperate need for the Vikings. However, considering Jones’ eventual successor has plenty of merit, it is something Minnesota could do in this draft.
Drafting RBs in the first round went out of fashion unless it is someone considered really special. Ashton Jeanty is one of those this year, but I don’t foresee him dropping to 24, so I’ve ruled him out. The Vikings continue to look for an improved run game and spend heavily on revamping their offensive line in free agency.
Adding a young RB to the ranks is certainly an option, and there are still plenty of options for Minnesota in what is considered a deep draft class at running back — though they would possibly only be options if the Vikings trade back from 24.
Omarion Hampton
The one RB that I might consider drafting 24th overall is Omarion Hampton. He impressed during his time in North Carolina with 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons when the team’s starter — also rushing at an average just shy of six yards per carry.
Hampton is the ideal size at 6’0 and 220 lbs and is physically gifted with great explosiveness for a back of his size. Best suited to a zone-blocking scheme and with the ability to force missed tackles, he would be a good fit in Minnesota. Importantly, for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, he is a good option out of the backfield as a receiver. While also having the frame to be a handful as a pass blocker.
Quinshon Judkins
Quinshon Judkins was a star running back at Ole Miss for two seasons before transferring to Ohio State, where he continued to impress. He rushed for over 1000 yards in three straight seasons with 45 rushing touchdowns over that span. Judkins is all about speed and power, he goes through tackles rather than evades them and wracks up the yards after contact.
That physical play style also shows up in pass protection, where he made some devastating blocks and impressive plays in college. He has little experience or success in the receiving game, which could be a red flag for O’Connell. Judkins is the only player I’d consider if the Vikings traded back from 24 for picks on Day 2.
Kaleb Johnson
Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is another player I think would be a good fit for Minnesota. He doesn’t have the volume of good play on take that Hampton and Judkins have. Johnson broke out in 2024 with 1535 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Before that, his record was decent but not spectacular. At 6’0 and 225 lbs, Johnson is another back in this draft with perfect size.
He has the speed and power to break tackles and gain yards after contact, and he uses his surprisingly light and quick feet to read line play and find open space with impressive build-up speed. Work is to be done regarding pass blocking and receiving, which would make landing in Minnesota on Day 2 good news for Johnson, where he will be given time to develop.
Cam Skattebo
It was quite the season for Cam Skatebo at Arizona State as he eclipsed 2,000 total yards and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. He was everything for their offense and can do it all, from rushing to receiving to Wildcat quarterbacking. O’Connell would enjoy the versatility Skattebo would bring to his offense. Skatebo’s success has been as much about desire and fight as it has been about ability. At 5’11 and 215lbs, he leaves everything out on the field and fights for every yard.
That mentality will serve him well. His ability as a pass catcher could allow him to get some early looks with the team that drafts him.
Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson’s game is all about speed and making defenders miss tackles as both a runner and a receiver. His footwork is quick and explosive, and he pairs that with good vision and patience. The Tennessee product had limited receiving production in college but still brings good traits in that area that should interest the Vikings.
He is a smaller back at 5’11 and 201 lbs, with his weight impacting his pass-blocking efficacy. One area of concern is a bad habit of fumbling the ball, which must be tidied up.
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