5 running backs the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft

Bryce Love (Stanford)

Measurements:

• Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 200 pounds

2018 Stats:

• 166 carries, 739 yards (4.5 average), 6 touchdowns
• 20 catches, 99 yards (5.0 average)

If the Vikings were to take Love, it would be with a late-round choice. He’s a very talented ball carrier, but he is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered on the last play of his college career. He isn’t expected to be available until the start of the 2019 NFL season and he could be shelved for even longer.

That’s a timeline that Minnesota could work with as they do have Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah available to backup Dalvin Cook if he were to get hurt and miss time. The issue isn’t just the ACL for Love though. He had a few injuries during his career at Stanford, including ankle problems that he did tough out and continued to play through.

Love is a compact back that is extremely shifty and elusive, but his best feature is his breakaway speed. This guy can absolutely fly. He had a breakout 2017 season where he rushed for over 2,100 yards and scored an impressive 19 touchdowns.

Love wouldn’t be a replacement for Murray as they have very different skill sets, but he could still work in a rotation with Cook. He has home run ability and he can bust a long one on any play.

Opposing teams would have to be aware of where Love is on the field at all times. Obviously with him, the medical is important and the Vikings’ doctors will have the ultimate say on whether or not the team uses a draft pick on him this year.

(For more NFL Draft and Vikings-related content from Nik Edlund, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)