Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post free agency mock draft
By Jordan Reid
One of the biggest free agency acquisitions for the Vikings to this point has been running back Latavius Murray. Signing a three-year, $15 million deal, it seems as if Murray will take the role of Matt Asiata as the third-down power runner. He is an upgrade from Asiata as he is faster and a bit more athletically gifted.
Murray has the ability to not only get the tough yards in short yardage situation, but he also can pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield. Acquiring Murray is a huge boost for the the stock of Jerick McKinnon. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur can now use McKinnon’s versatility as the ultimate chess piece.
With that being said, the duo of Murray and McKinnon alleviates the pressure of the team of finding a running back with one of their early picks. Even though both rushers can potentially be free-agents in 2018, the team is set with their top two options.
Former UNC running back T.J. Logan has been overshadowed during the duration of the draft process. His running-mate, Elijah Hood, has received most of the love, but Logan is arguably the better of the two. Bringing a similar skill-set as McKinnon, Logan gives the Vikings another smaller rusher who does all of the little things correctly.
Logan has the ability to run between the tackles, as well as on the perimeter, pass protect, and catch out of the backfield. A underrated factor he brings to the table is his kick returning ability. Among one of the best in the country, Logan averaged an impressive 32.9 yards per return in 2016.
With departure of one of the best kick returners in the NFL in Cordarrelle Patterson, Logan has the opportunity to step into the kick returner role, as well as the number three running back on the depth chart. Looking into the future, if McKinnon and the Vikings ultimately decide to part ways next offseason, the team will already have a similar option on the roster in Logan.
Combine Results:
- Height: 5-foot-9
- Weight: 196 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 inches
- Hand Size: 9 inches
- Best 40 Yard Dash: 4.37 seconds
- Bench Press: 17 reps
- Vertical Jump: 33 1/2 inches
- Broad Jump: 121 inches
- Three Cone Drill: Did Not Participate
- 20 Yard Shuttle: Did Not Participate