Vikings' draft strategy for running backs: Is the 2025 class truly a wasteland, or are there hidden gems like Love and Price?
On this episode, the conversation centered on whether the 2025 running back draft class deserves its negative reputation. The consensus emerged that while the class isn't great, it's also not as disastrous as widely portrayed.
It was noted that a massive gap exists between Jeremiyah Love and the second-best prospect at the position. This crater-sized separation sets Love apart in a way that rivals even quarterback evaluations. However, the argument was made that several mid-round prospects could develop into capable NFL starters, which tempers the overall negativity around the position. The assessment landed somewhere between two extremes: not an excellent class, but capable of producing useful contributors at various levels.
The Vikings' potential trade-up scenario for Love received considerable discussion. It was established that if Love falls past both Tennessee at four and Washington at seven, the trade-up cost becomes more reasonable for Minnesota. Should he reach picks eleven through thirteen, the financial burden of acquiring him could become manageable without sacrificing massive future capital. The consensus was that while unlikely, this scenario isn't entirely outside the realm of possibility for draft night.
Jadarian Price emerged as the second-best option in the class. It was noted that Price played in the shadow of Love at Notre Dame, which suppressed his opportunity volume despite producing strong efficiency numbers. The argument was made that at virtually any other program, Price would likely warrant first-round consideration. His elite instincts, short-area quickness, and ability to generate explosive plays position him as a potential second-round steal.
Several mid-round prospects are also promising fits for the Vikings and are discussed on the show.
The overarching takeaway was that intentional evaluation and smart drafting at running back remains possible, particularly on day two and beyond. The position doesn't require reaching for names but rewards careful identification of prospect upside at appropriate points in the draft process.