The Viking Age
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Five Minnesota Vikings with the most to prove to the team in 2017

By Adam Patrick

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with and points at cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with and points at cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) scores in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) scores in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jerick McKinnon, RB

During the 28 games that Adrian Peterson has missed in the past three seasons, McKinnon was called upon by the Vikings time and time again to be the leader in their offensive backfield. Despite his increased involvement, the running back still has yet to break out of his shell.

Or has he and his peak is just not as high as Minnesota was hoping for when they drafted him in 2014?

His best season actually came in 2015 when he was Peterson’s backup. That year he averaged 6.1 yards per touch, compared to the 4.8 he averaged in 2014 and the 3.9 he averaged last season.

With the addition of Latavius Murray this offseason, McKinnon could go back to a role similar to the one he had in 2015. Will it lead to a more productive year for the young running back?

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