The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings running back CJ Ham set to have a breakout year

By Dominique Clare

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back C.J. Ham (30) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. the Minnesota Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back C.J. Ham (30) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. the Minnesota Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings running back C.J. Ham is in a position for an increased role this upcoming season.

C.J. Ham has an opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him. Currently, there is an opening for the third spot on the depth chart at running back for the Minnesota Vikings. Ham has shown that he has the ability to be that guy.

This opportunity for Ham comes after the departures of Adrian Peterson and Matt Asiata. That left Ham, Bishop Sankey, and Jerick McKinnon the remaining running backs. In addition to those three, the Vikings signed Latavius Murray during free agency.

Murray will likely lock up the starting role for the team. McKinnon will follow him as the back up and change of pace back. Subsequently that will leave C.J. Ham and Bishop Sankey to compete for the third spot.

Ham had an excellent preseason for The Vikings. He finished runs hard and showed that he can do more than just get by in the NFL. He averaged 3.2 yards a carry in preseason on a team high 44 carries. Below is a nice run by Ham that showcased several traits of his very well.

That run first showed his ability to let a play develop. Right after he saw the hole he put his foot down and moved north. After that he ran through wimpy arm tackles and showed his determination to get into the end zone. If he can do that consistently, there is a place for him on the active roster next season.

What if the Vikings draft a running back?

The biggest hurdle that Ham faces right now is the NFL draft. There are reports that Mike Zimmer likes former Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon. There is a high chance that Mixon will fall to the second round because of his controversial past. If he is there when the Vikings make their first selection it will be hard for the team to pass if he is the best talent on the board.

Next: Laquon Treadwell has a big opportunity next season

Don’t count out Ham even if the Vikings take a top running back in the draft. He already has a year in the system and performed very well. In addition to that, the NFL is unpredictable with injuries and suspensions. Because of that Ham may get an opportunity at some point during season if he does not seal the third spot during camp.

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