The Viking Age
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NFL Draft 2015: Vikings Reportedly Visit With RB Jay Ajayi

By Dan Zinski

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The Vikings’ possible plans at running back remain as murky today as they were two months ago and will stay that way until some resolution is reached in the Adrian Peterson situation.

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The latest word is that whatever the Vikings do with Peterson, they will not cut him. Saying they’re not going to cut Peterson presumably gives the Vikes a little bit more leverage with teams as they attempt to work a trade.

When/if the Vikings do trade Peterson, a huge opportunity will open up for some young man looking to become a #1 running back in the NFL.

In-house options for the Vikings at RB include newly-re-signed bruiser Matt Asiata, second-year speedster Jerick McKinnon and practice squad mainstay Joe Banyard.

Looking at those options, you can understand why the Vikings might be leaning toward picking someone up in the draft.

The Vikings have been linked in draft speculation to lots of names, including Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and Georgia’s Todd Gurley. They will now be linked to another running back after a report from Tony Pauline about a Wednesday meeting at Boise State pro day:

Pauline also gave a report about Ajayi’s workout in front representatives from the Vikings and other teams (via Walter Football):

"I’m told Jay Ajayi looked good in running back drills, especially catching the ball. He ranks anywhere from a high of No. 2 on running back boards around the league to a low of No. 6. As posted on twitter, Ajayi had dinner with the San Diego Chargers last night."

The 6-0, 221-pound Ajayi is viewed as a good all-around back with receiving skills to go with his running ability, though ball security is a bit of a concern and he did suffer an ACL injury in 2011. CBSSports.com says of him:

"Workable body type with adequate upper- and lower-body bulk. Quick-footed and nimble to control his acceleration with burst and wheels to finish runs. Explosive cuts with springs in his legs to launch off his plant foot and get upfield with forward momentum. Athletic lateral jump cuts to escape trouble. Limber and flexible body type with rubber joints to be slippery at the tackle point."

NFL.com weighs in with an interesting comparison:

"While the comparison to Marshawn Lynch might be a little much considering Lynch’s exploits in the NFL, Ajayi’s running style and body type are very similar to Lynch’s and Ajayi features an improving stiff arm and physicality that has become Lynch’s calling card. Ajayi has the ability to play all three downs while mashing in short yardage and near the goal line. Scouts have been quietly circling Ajayi as a second-tier running back who offers tremendous value on the second day (Rounds 2-3) of the draft."

That Marshawn Lynch comparison won’t make any Viking fans drool, will it?

Next: Mike Priefer Seeking Cullen Loeffler's Replacement

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