NFL Draft 2018: 4 running backs the Minnesota Vikings could possibly select
By Adam Patrick
Jaylen Samuels, NC State
Measurements:
- 5-foot-11
- 223 pounds
2017 Stats:
- 78 carries, 407 rushing yards (5.2 per carry)
- 75 catches, 593 receiving yards
- 16 total touchdowns (12 rushing, four receiving)
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-4
Samuels was listed as an H-back at North Carolina State due to his size and ability to line up at a number of positions. Some believe he could be a tight end in the NFL, but he may be better off suited in the offensive backfield as a running back.
For Vikings fans that loved to watch Percy Harvin, Samuels possesses some of the same versatility as Harvin once did. Samuels is not as fast as Harvin, but he has the ability to either juke defenders out of their shoes or power right through them.
With Minnesota likely looking to add depth to their running back and tight end position groups in the draft this year, Samuels could be a solution for both. He would definitely be a unique player for Vikings offensive coordinator John DeFilippo to toy around with next year.