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Report: Mike Zimmer ‘really likes’ controversial running back Joe Mixon

By Adam Patrick

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) is seen on the field before action against the Baylor Bears prior to the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) is seen on the field before action against the Baylor Bears prior to the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the recent signing of Latavius Murray, the Minnesota Vikings could still draft a running back this year and Zimmer reportedly has a specific one in mind.

There was a lot of buzz generated recently when Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman attended the University of Oklahoma’s pro day. The Vikings had shown interest in a few prospects from the school in previous weeks but it is seeming like there was a big reason for why Zimmer was the only NFL head coach in attendance that day.

The event that day was the first time pro scouts and staff members were able to watch Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon workout and participate in a number of football-related drills. Mixon was not invited to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine and it was likely due to the fact that he punched a young woman in the face during his time at Oklahoma.

Despite his fists of fury, Mixon is still being regarded as one of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft class.

After Oklahoma’s pro day, a picture was tweeted out of the running back leaving the facility with Zimmer. The photo caused a bit of stir among Vikings fans, but ultimately nothing much was really thought of it.

Well on Tuesday, KSTP sports anchor Darren Wolfson replied to a tweet of The Viking Age’s own Jordan Reid saying that the word is Zimmer is really intrigued by the idea of adding Mixon to the team.

If the running back still ends up being available when Minnesota makes their first pick of the draft in the second round, would the Vikings take a risk on a guy who has a violent past? Especially since the franchise just got rid of a running back in Adrian Peterson who was suspended for 15 games back in 2014 after he was accused of child abuse?

Next: Did Zimmer take a shot at Treadwell?

Vikings fans can interpret Wolfson’s tweet however they want, but taking a risk on a person like Mixon seems quite unnecessary for Minnesota given the amount of other running back prospects available in this year’s draft class that have never broken a woman’s facial bones with their fists.

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