Need to add a dynamic RB to maximize offense for 2025

[StickierBuns]

I'm just ok with Aaron Jones, but you can see he's on the downside. Akers isn't dynamic, but is reliable. And Chandler, although dynamic, Minnesota doesn't trust him for whatever reason as he gets limited carries and they didn't move him up to 'The Man' status at RB in the offseason and signed Jones. We can see how other teams with strong skill players on offense benefit from a dynamic RB.

[Knucklehead]

I'm just ok with Aaron Jones, but you can see he's on the downside. Akers isn't dynamic, but is reliable. And Chandler, although dynamic, Minnesota doesn't trust him for whatever reason as he gets limited carries and they didn't move him up to 'The Man' status at RB in the offseason and signed Jones. We can see how other teams with strong skill players on offense benefit from a dynamic RB.

Adding a young, dynamic RB is the #2 offensive need this off season right behind addressing the IOL. Fortunately, the RB crop in this upcoming draft is looking strong.

[JimmyinSD]

Ive been saying for years, fix the IOL and the running game will take a giant leap forward with even average backs, and the passing game should improve as well.

[MaroonBells]

I think the Vikings will swing for the fences for a top level back. There aren't really any in free agency so I'm betting one of our 1st two picks in the draft will be a RB. I wouldn't mind bringing back Jones and Akers, but they should be backups.

[ArizonaViking]

Put another cornerback on the list too.

[StickierBuns]

Put another cornerback on the list too.

For sure, also IOL,DT as others have mentioned. My point on this is if we want to maximize our offense and play with the elite teams and BE an elite team, we need that dynamic RB dimension. Especially if McCarthy starts next year, let's get him the complete set of steak knives.

[MaroonBells]

Put another cornerback on the list too.

Two.

CB - DJ Reed (FA1), Jahdae Barron (D1), Byron Murphy (FA5)
RB - Dylan Sampson (D3), Jordan Mason (FA4), Cam Akers

[purplefaithful]

You see what a guy like Gibbs can do for an offense. My biggest issue with this offense is that it's to finesse, cant run when it "has to."

I dont want to start a rook RB - at least right out of the gate next year. Double so if JJM is starting. Thats a very young backfield.

Ideally they can bring Jones back for at least another season. He's good in the locker room, can mentor a rook and he brings more to the field than Akers.

But if that isnt possible, they do need to bring Cam back. KOc likes and trusts him.

[medaille]

You look at their offense and they’re strong all around, but the biggest difference is not from Jones to Gibbs, but from our OL to their OL. They have the leagues best OL and it is the centerpiece of their offense.

Sam Darnold is much more mobile than Cousins was, but both QBs were near the top of the league in pressures, sacks, and getting hit. Our passing schemes are very long developing and complicated and any QB that runs this offense is going to get hit a lot. You can see how it rattled Darnold last week, although most weeks we’re able to keep the pressure at bay by stretching the field. Our interior OL is Bradbury, who’s good at run blocking wide zone stuff, but not really straight ahead runs that require more power. You got Risner who’s a horrible run blocker all around.

You combine that with the horribly short career of an NFL RB and KOC being a guy that strongly prefers to pass over run, it just doesn’t make sense to try and get the RB before sorting out the OL situation. Would an top tier RB be a good addition for us? Absolutely. Should we do it at the expense of upgrading our IOL? Absolutely not.

[purplefaithful]

Philly is similar to Detroit in that they have outstanding running games that trace to the RB and OL.

GB is like both those teams running wise - just a lite version.

Gotta mention Baltimore in this discussion too. Its not coincidence 3 of these 4 teams are all top contenders for a SB.