5 best Minnesota Vikings running backs of the 21st century
By Adam Carlson
4. Jerick McKinnon (2014 – 2017)
Drafted as a change-of-pace running back for Adrian Peterson, McKinnon saw himself thrust into the role of a starter when injuries and suspensions hit their star running back. Yet, the shifty young player did everything that was asked of him.
Only spending four years with the Vikings, McKinnon has moved on to the San Francisco 49ers, but not before leaving his mark on Minnesota. As part of a duo with Matt Asiata, Jerick proved he could be relied on for a solid rushing attack to keep the team in games.
Starting 14 games for Minnesota and playing in a total of 58, McKinnon ran for 1,918 yards and 7 touchdowns while adding 142 catches for 984 yards and 5 touchdowns, only fumbling three times during his time with the Vikings.
The drafting of dynamic running back Dalvin Cook and re-signing of Latavius Murray made McKinnon able to pursue a team where he could find a bigger role with, and the sky will be the limit for him in San Francisco.