Complete article at:

https://www.vikings.com/news/demond-claiborne-2026-nfl-draft-5-things-to-know

5 Things to Know About Vikings 6th Round Draft Pick Demond Claiborne

The Vikings added an intriguing prospect to their running backs group during the 2026 NFL Draft.

NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein called Claiborne "a twitched-up, elusive slasher who can turn minimal gains into explosive runs."

1. He's got some wheels

Claiborne impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds, good enough for third fastest in his position group this year.

Claiborne was a sprinter on his high school track-and-field team, winning the 2021 Virginia Class AA 100-meter dash title — and setting a Class AA record — with a time of 10.67 seconds. He finished second in the 200. ...

2. Big star at a small school

He played on varsity as a freshman (running back and wide receiver); as a sophomore, he earned 2019 Region AA Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-State honors after racking up 1,318 rushing yards and 37 total touchdowns. ...

3. Grateful for mother's sacrifice

Claiborne's mother, Tomeka, worked three jobs to provide for him and his four brothers — including twin brother Damien — and did whatever she could to fulfill her sons' needs.

Claiborne "swore to himself" at a young age that he would work hard to get Tomeka out of such a difficult situation. ...

4. Not taking experience for granted

When Claiborne took the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine, he initially had just one reporter — a second later joined.

NFL media personality Kay Adams interviewed Claiborne in March on her Up and Adams podcast and asked about the experience, and he maintained an authentically positive attitude.

"I'm grateful for those two reporters and being able to have that conversation with those guys," Claiborne told Adams. "There were so many [athletes] who were at home wishing to talk to one reporter, and they were talking to their family or coach about how they should be at the combine — and I was there. Just being able to understand, 'Hey, my story's been my story.' I've been underrated in a lot of ways. Those will be the first two guys when I retire that I reach out to write a story or write a report on it. ...

5. Proud of country roots

"Growing up in that environment definitely was cool," Claiborne added, "but those country folks — they teach you how to work and go get it. That's definitely something that's embedded in me, and I'm ready to continue to roll with how I was taught coming from the country." ...