Possible 2025 NFL Draft Picks for the Vikings: Five Running Backs
This article first appeared on SI’s Minnesota Vikings.
Written by Tony Liebert and last updated at 8:03 PM ET on January 14, 2025.
After a humiliating loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Monday night’s Wildcard Round, the Vikings’ season came to a swift end, and now the offseason conversation is starting. One of their main concerns will be finding a replacement running back for Aaron Jones and Cam Akers, who are both set to become free agents soon.
We know the Vikings have the 24th overall pick right now, but they only have two picks in the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. In March, they could choose to add an option via the draft; so, let’s examine five possible targets.
Josh Johnson from Iowa
Even though running back has been steadily declining in value over the years, the Vikings’ No. 24 overall pick, Ashton Jeanty, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy competition, will most likely not be undrafted. Johnson could be a good alternative. His 206 yards and three touchdowns last autumn against the Gophers might be remembered by Minnesota sports fans. On a typical draft day, he may be the first running back selected.
North Carolina resident Omarion Hampton
In addition to his 129 rushing yards versus the Gophers last August, Hampton has a solid case for being the second running back taken off the board. His receiving game is where he really shines; he had 38 catches for 372 yards in the previous season. He possesses the skills necessary to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Scattebo, Cam, Arizona State
Skattebo stunned college football fans in the Peach Bowl with a passing game that included 242 yards from scrimmage and three scores, defeating Texas. Last year, he rushed for over 1,700 yards while playing for the Arizona Sun Devils. He may be a more reasonable mid-round target due to his age, height (5′-11″), and weight (215 pounds).
Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins
Judkins and Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson had one of the most explosive backfield combinations in college football this season. He played two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Columbus, but he didn’t lose a step in his production. Even though he isn’t very productive as a receiver, the Vikings may find him to be the perfect downhill runner.
The Oklahoma Sooners’ Ollie Gordon II
Gordon appeared to be a Heisman contender and future high draft pick at this time last year. His performance took a nosedive from 1,732 rushing yards in his sophomore year to just 880 in his junior year. Due to the fact that Oklahoma State’s roster around Gordon was significantly different in 2024, I’m thinking the Vikings may consider this a buy-low situation in the latter rounds.