The Viking Age
FanSided

Five veteran Vikings impacted the most by the team’s 2017 draft class

By Adam Patrick

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerick McKinnon, RB

While most of Minnesota’s fans are ecstatic that their team drafted a very talented running back in Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, McKinnon was not likely one of those jumping for joy when he found out the news.

Already knowing his playing time would possibly decrease in 2017 due to the addition of free-agent running back Latavius Murray this offseason, now McKinnon has to compete with another talented back for time on the field. If Cook explodes out of the gate to begin the season, it may become very difficult for the Vikings to give McKinnon a decent amount of snaps.

However, this could also be an opportunity for Minnesota to take advantage of McKinnon’s versatility and get creative with getting him the ball. He is still a dangerous weapon to have on offense, especially in the open field, and finding ways to get the ball in his hands should still be a priority for the Vikings in 2017.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News