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The Vikings may target these five running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft.
First published on SI on the Minnesota Vikings
Last modified at 8:03 PM ET on January 14, 2025 by Tony Liebert
With Monday night’s Wildcard Round loss to the Rams, the Vikings’ season came to an abrupt end, and offseason negotiations have already begun. One of their main concerns will be the running back position as Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are set to become free agents.
As we already know, the Vikings presently own the 24th overall pick, but their only other selections in the 2025 NFL Draft are two fifth-round picks. Let’s examine five possible targets they might have in March in case they decide to add an option through the draft.
Johnson, Kaleb, Iowa
Although the value of the running back position has declined over time, Ashton Jeanty, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, is probably not going to be available when the Vikings select him at No. 24. Johnson might be the second-best choice. His 206 yards and three touchdowns versus the Gophers last autumn may be recalled by Minnesota sports enthusiasts. He might be the first running back selected in a typical draft.
Hampton, North Carolina’s Omarion
With 129 rushing yards against the Gophers in August of last year, Hampton has a compelling case to be the second running back off the board. With 38 receptions for 372 yards in the previous season, he is a more explosive receiver. He is talented enough to make an impact in the NFL right away.
The Arizona State Cam Skattebo
With 242 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns overall versus Texas in the Peach Bowl, Skattebo stunned the college football world. Last season, he rushed for over 1,700 yards with the Sun Devils. He might be a more reasonable mid-round target given his height (5’11”), weight (215), and advanced age.
Judkins, Quinshon, Ohio State
This season, Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson became one of the most effective two-man backfields in NCAA football at Ohio State. After playing his two seasons at Ole Miss, he transferred to Columbus, but his output didn’t really change. Although he isn’t a very good receiver, he might be the downhill runner the Vikings need.
Gordon II, Ollie, Oklahoma State
Gordon appeared to be a future high-draft pick and a possible Heisman candidate at this time last year. From 1,732 rushing yards as a sophomore to just 880 as a junior, his output fell off sharply. Since Oklahoma State just did not have the same team around Gordon in 2024, I believe the Vikings may see this as a buy-low scenario in subsequent rounds.
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