Ranking the Vikings’ 2019 draft needs after the first wave of free agency

Running Back

This is the need that has jumped up the most for the Vikings since free agency began. Many believed the Minnesota would be able to re-sign Latavius Murray, but he looked for other options and surprisingly he was offered a four-year deal from the New Orleans Saints, which he took.

That hurt. Murray was a very good compliment to Dalvin Cook and he could get the tough yards up the middle and he had a nose for the end zone. Murray will be missed by the Vikings.

To make matters worse, just before free agency began, Minnesota second-year running back Roc Thomas was arrested after police found a bunch of marijuana in his home. His NFL future is up in the air at this point in time.

The Vikings’ running back depth chart currently consists of Cook and Mike Boone with C.J. Ham being available for emergency duties. So Minnesota’s rushing attack is made up of one guy with an inability to stay healthy and another who is very much unproven.

The Vikings could roll the dice with these two and be okay if Cook stays healthy. But that is far too risky, so they will bring in someone through the draft.

The running back class this year isn’t very top heavy, but it is loaded with talent. Minnesota could begin to consider adding a back as early as round two.

They could look to replace Murray and his size with a bigger back, who can play in and produce in short-yardage situations. Whoever the Vikings choose, chances are high they’ll address this position no later than round four.