2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: RB

[StickierBuns]

The RB class is so deep this year. Just not sure when you take one when our picks are already so limited.

Yep, get that point as well. Draft well? 

[Canthony]

Yep, get that point as well. Draft well? 

This same conversation is starting to merge into multiple threads lol. The point is, you can find a RB in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that can make an instant impact. Unless its a CB that falls to 23, move down and take one of the picks you get for a RB in one of those rounds. I feel thats the best way to go in our situation.

[supafreak84]

While I agree you can draft productive running backs throughout the draft, I don't think I'd throw a fit if the Vikings decided to draft one in the 1st round as long as they fill some of those other roster holes in free agency as expected. If a top end running back is what they decide is the best way to help out McCarthy next season and puts the offense over the top..I'm down for it. It's exactly what the Lions did in taking Gibbs. I certainly don't expect that to be the direction we go in, but I could see some justification for it.

[JimmyinSD]

The only RB under contract is Ty Chandler. 

Aaron Jones seems like a smart guy. He likely knows he'll be 31 before end of next season and he can't command what he once did. So I think there's a decent chance he signs another cheap 1-year deal this spring. And it would be great to have him back...as part of a committee or as a backup. But you can bet the Vikings will bring on JJ's RBOTF this offseason, either in free agency, trade or the draft.

and you cant swing a dead cat without hitting 3 of them looking for work.  RB is likely the easiest position to fill which is why its really not a concern for me.  IOL is my primary concern,  then DB and IDL.

[JimmyinSD]

While I agree you can draft productive running backs throughout the draft, I don't think I'd throw a fit if the Vikings decided to draft one in the 1st round as long as they fill some of those other roster holes in free agency as expected. If a top end running back is what they decide is the best way to help out McCarthy next season and puts the offense over the top..I'm down for it. It's exactly what the Lions did in taking Gibbs. I certainly don't expect that to be the direction we go in, but I could see some justification for it.

they had their OL, and QB in the fold already when they took Gibbs,  not to mention IIRC they had a pocket full of draft picks.  our  situation isnt quite to that level just yet.  IMO at least 1 year off from looking at a high round RB,  otherwise those premium picks would be better used on positions that have longer careers and or maybe take a year or two before they are ready to really roll.

[supafreak84]

they had their OL, and QB in the fold already when they took Gibbs,  not to mention IIRC they had a pocket full of draft picks.  our  situation isnt quite to that level just yet.  IMO at least 1 year off from looking at a high round RB,  otherwise those premium picks would be better used on positions that have longer careers and or maybe take a year or two before they are ready to really roll.

Well I'm hoping we've addressed the offensive line in free agency prior to the draft and we have our QB already in the fold in JJ McCarthy. Maybe trading down really is the best option for us this year with the depth at running back, defensive line, and corner.

[StickierBuns]

Well I'm hoping we've addressed the offensive line in free agency prior to the draft and we have our QB already in the fold in JJ McCarthy. Maybe trading down really is the best option for us this year with the depth at running back, defensive line, and corner.

It might end up being the play, have to see how the Draft unfolds.

[MaroonBells]

and you cant swing a dead cat without hitting 3 of them looking for work.  RB is likely the easiest position to fill which is why its really not a concern for me.  IOL is my primary concern,  then DB and IDL.

[supafreak84]

Just initial thoughts on the RB group and how I'd rank them;

1. Jeanty- The best of the bunch but won't be an option for the Vikings

2. Omarion Hampton- A classic bigger back that runs physical. Catches the ball well, 67 catches over the last two seasons. Not a lot of wiggle and more of a straight line guy. Doesn't have elite home run hitting speed but will consistently break a lot of 20, 25, and 30 yard type chunk runs.

3. Dylan Sampson- This kid would get a great fit in our offense. Twitchy, great stop and start ability. Catches the ball adequately. Incredible production in the SEC. I don't know if KOC is ever going to be a run first playcaller or consistently commit to running the ball, but Sampson is the type of big play threat he would want at running back.

4. Quinshon Judkins- Maybe my favorite back in the draft. Ranks a little lower on most lists due to sharing the load at OSU but his production at Ole Miss the prior two seasons is outstanding. Compact, physical
runner. Great feet, vision and ability to juke. I would not be surprised if he ended up as the best back out of this draft.

[MaroonBells]

Just initial thoughts on the RB group and how I'd rank them;

1. Jeanty- The best of the bunch but won't be an option for the Vikings

2. Omarion Hampton- A classic bigger back that runs physical. Catches the ball well, 67 catches over the last two seasons. Not a lot of wiggle and more of a straight line guy. Doesn't have elite home run hitting speed but will consistently break a lot of 20, 25, and 30 yard type chunk runs.

3. Dylan Sampson- This kid would get a great fit in our offense. Twitchy, great stop and start ability. Catches the ball adequately.  Incredible production in the SEC. I don't know if KOC is ever going to be a run first playcaller or consistently commit to running the ball, but Sampson is the type of big play threat he would want at running back.

4. Quinshon Judkins- Maybe my favorite back in the draft. Ranks a little lower on most lists due to sharing the load at OSU but his production at Ole Miss the prior two seasons is outstanding. Compact, physical
runner. Great feet, vision and ability to juke. I would not be surprised if he ended up as the best back out of this draft.

That's very similar to how I'd rank them. I have a friend who thinks Jeanty's overrated and is too small for the NFL. I just don't know how you can watch 5 minutes of that guy and say "oh that guy can't play." He's such a gifted runner. Speed, burst, balance. Love everything about him. And he's exactly the same size as Emmitt Smith was. 

Love Sampson's fit and I like Judkins more than most. Mostly I like that you have both of them over Skattebo and the Iowa back. I think Skattebo can carve out a role as a Taysom Hill-like gadget player, but I don't think he'll ever be a 3-down back in the NFL. I had the same reaction after 5 minutes watching him as I did with Laquon Treadwell. Requisite NFL movement skills are not there.