Vikings Eye Another Rookie RB
It’s time for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a rookie running back, and that man might just be Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne next month. The club met with Claiborne over the weekend, using a Top 30 visit.
Minnesota may not be done scouting mid-round help at running back.
For now, Claiborne projects as a 5th-Round talent, so the Vikings won’t have to move heaven and earth to get him.
Demond Claiborne Brings the Burst
Minnesota needs youth in the RB pipeline.
Vikings Meet with Claiborne
Get to know Claiborne’s name because there’s a better-than-average chance that he lands in Minnesota.
Draft insider Ryan Fowler tweeted Monday, “Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit. Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.”
Sporting News‘ Billy Heyen added, “The Minnesota Vikings have an experienced backfield returning for the 2026 NFL season. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are both expected to be back on the field. One thing they lack a bit of at this point, though: speed.”
“Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Yep, he can move. Claiborne is originally from the state of Virginia, and he measures at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds. He also broad jumped 10 feet, 2 inches at the NFL Combine. He’d certainly be a nice get for the Vikings to be able to learn behind the veterans while also adding a new element of speed to their offense.”
Minnesota has one 5th-Round pick lined up next month, which might be the perfect spot to nab Claiborne, according to the Consensus Big Board.
The Scouting Report
Claiborne played 44 games at Wake Forest, tabulating 3,023 yards from scrimmage and 28 total touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and caught 28 passes out of the backfield in 2025. The Demon Deacon is known for his speed and breakaway ability, but also has weaknesses, including fumbles and a smaller stature at 190 pounds.
Draft Huddle‘s Janik Eckardt on Claiborne:
His speed and elusiveness make him an appealing option for teams seeking a complementary back who can generate explosive plays. Offenses that emphasize outside runs, space concepts, and change-of-pace rushing packages could maximize Claiborne’s skill set. Additionally, his experience as a return specialist may help him carve out an early role on special teams while he develops as an offensive contributor.
Demond Claiborne is an explosive, elusive running back whose quickness and burst allow him to generate big plays in space. His ability to cut suddenly, accelerate through gaps, and outflank defenders makes him a dynamic option as a complementary back. While improvements in ball security, receiving consistency, and interior power will be important for his development at the next level, Claiborne’s speed and agility give him the tools to contribute as a change-of-pace back and special teams weapon in the NFL.
The best comp for Claiborne entering the pros is probably Raheem Mostert. Maybe a side dish of Matt Breida.
Time to Grow for a Rookie RB
For 15 years, the Vikings enjoyed a luxury most teams only dream of. From 2007 to 2022, they consistently boasted a dominant ground game, led by either Adrian Peterson or Dalvin Cook — the 2014 season, marred by Peterson’s suspension, being the only exception. For over a decade, the running back position produced consistently and required little attention.
Those days are over.
Now, with the Vikings retaining Jordan Mason while restructuring Aaron Jones’ contract, they appear to be aiming for incremental improvements rather than a significant overhaul. However, Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme inherently de-emphasizes the running game. The numbers bear this out:
Vikings Rushing Playcall %
NFL Ranking
in the Kevin O’Connell Era:
2022: 30th
2023: 30th
2024: 18th
2025: 29th
Even when the Vikings’ rushing attack is effective, they rarely commit to it, preferring to focus on the passing game and establishing a rhythm for the quarterback. The run is relegated to a secondary role.
This approach, however, has its limitations, particularly in the playoffs. Postseason success often hinges on a strong running game to control the clock, shorten possessions, and protect leads. Contenders typically run the ball more than half the time, a mark the Vikings haven’t approached under O’Connell, at least not yet.
Which brings us back to the draft. The Vikings once relied on superstar running backs to anchor their offense. Perhaps the next one will be a rookie — a standout college player capable of reigniting that explosive ground game. It could be a transformative addition. Claiborne would be a step in the right direction.
The Other Options in the Draft
If the Vikings want a rookie running back in 5.5 weeks, but it’s not Claiborne, these are the Top 8 options listed alphabetically:
- Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
- Jonah Coleman (Washington)
- Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
- Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
- Seth McGowan (Kentucky)
- Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
- Nick Singleton (Penn State)
- Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
Minnesota has nine picks this go-round, so there’s really no excuse not to draft a halfback. The Top 30 visit indicates Claiborne is in play.
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