The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post-Senior Bowl mock draft

By Jordan Reid

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

I can’t say this enough, Clemson running back Wayne Gallman is a perfect fit for the Minnesota Vikings offense. He is the example of the present day NFL running back.

Gallman has the versatility to run between the tackles or on the perimeter, catch out of the backfield and protect the quarterback in pass protection. All traits a running back needs to be an every down back in today’s NFL.

The Vikings are facing one an important decision with one of the best players in franchise history in running back Adrian Peterson. The future Hall-of-Fame rusher is scheduled to make a base salary of $12 million, combined with a $6 million bonus, making his total cap hit $18 million next season.

If the Vikings ultimately decide to bring back Peterson, he potentially would become the highest paid running back in the NFL. The second-highest paid would be Buffalo Bills running back Lesean McCoy, who is scheduled to make a $8.8 million base salary next season.

If the team decides to part ways with Peterson, it leaves Jerick McKinnon and C.J. Ham as the lone running backs on the roster.

There are questions surrounding if McKinnon is able to be an every-down back, but many connect the third-year rusher’s struggles to bad offensive line play.

Gallman and McKinnon could become a dynamic duo, while also giving the team a bit of cap relief having one of the lowest cap numbers on the team.

NFL Comparison: DeMarco Murray

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