Minnesota Vikings 2019 Offseason: The plan for the running backs

Potential Draft Targets

• Elijah Holyfield (Georgia)

• Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma)

• Devin Singletary (Florida Atlantic)

The Vikings will have other pressing needs in the draft (Hello, offensive line!), but it’s possible that the team may use a later pick to add some depth at running back. Deciding which ones may be a case of throwing darts, but there is some talent that could help out.

Elijah Holyfield is an interesting case that didn’t see much in terms of production at Georgia until his junior season. With 1,018 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018, Holyfield currently has the look of a one-dimensional back (seven catches in three seasons), but it’s not something that can’t be taught. He also lacks long speed, but he finishes runs and carries a powerful frame that could turn him into a short-yardage back.

Rodney Anderson is another talent that the Vikings could buy low on and see huge dividends. Anderson entered 2018 as one of the top running back prospects in the draft, but the Oklahoma product suffered a season-ending knee injury in September.

When healthy, Anderson is a yardage machine, racking up 1,442 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017 despite not becoming the starter until midway through the season.

Devin Singletary didn’t have the exposure while playing at Florida Atlantic, but he certainly had the production with 4,287 yards and 66 touchdowns in three seasons for the Owls.

According to The Draft Network’s Benjamin Solak, he doesn’t have the speed and quickness to match his 5-foot-9, 200-pound frame, but he does have the vision to fit a zone-scheme such as the one that the Vikings want to run.

Final Outlook

A lot of what the Vikings do this season will depend on what happens with Murray. If he stays, then Minnesota will roll with the same group they had last season. If he leaves, the Vikings are more likely to either find a cost-effective option in the draft or give Boone and Thomas a shot to step into larger roles in 2019.