Could blinding speed and explosive playmaking be the missing piece for the Vikings' backfield in the 2026 draft?
The Minnesota Vikings might not be set at running back for the 2026 season despite the potential return of talented running back Aaron Jones Sr. With former Minnesota running back Ty Chandler headed to the Saints and uncertainty at the position, the team could look to the draft to address the need.
Presumably, every NFL team looking to upgrade at the running back position would likely welcome the selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. That said, with Love seeing some mock drafts projecting him as the No. 4 overall pick, it's difficult to envision the running back falling to the Vikings at No. 18 in the first round.
According to a few insiders, Minnesota could have their sights set on adding another running back with high upside. Billy Heyen of The Sporting News shared one of the Vikings' latest targets this offseason.
"Draft writer Ryan Fowler has shared on X that the Vikings will be hosting Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne on a "30 visit," which teams use on prospects they're particularly interested in.
Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. ... 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."
Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Melina Myers-Imagn ImagesA 4.37-second forty-yard dash time is nothing to turn one's nose up at, but his production is also noteworthy in his time with Wake Forest. Claiborne put up the following statistics per Heyen.
"In 2024, Claiborne really broke out. He carried 228 times for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores.
Then in 2025, he increased his rushing efficiency by going for 907 yards on 179 runs (5.1 yards per carry). He scored 10 touchdowns and added 28 catches for 140 yards."
The Vikings need more out of their running game no matter how you look at it. Minnesota was one of the worst run blocking teams in the National Football League, but that might have been exacerbated by the lack of an impact rushing lead back. Now they are charged with adding another element to their running back by committee system if adding an elite ball carrier is not possible. Claiborne would add another dimension.
The Vikings offense is not going to be perfect despite solidifying the quarterback position. Keep an eye on Claiborne as a potential Minnesota pick in the upcoming draft.