5 burning questions the Vikings will answer at the 2019 draft
By Nik Edlund
2. Who will be the Vikings’ No. 2 running back?
The Vikings lost Latavius Murray in free agency this year and their potential No. 3 back, Roc Thomas, is looking at a lengthy suspension from the league.
Minnesota did re-sign Ameer Abdullah, but he can’t be relied on to tote the rock on a consistent basis. That leaves second-year man Mike Boone as the primary backup to fragile Dalvin Cook.
The 2019 NFL Draft isn’t top-heavy with talent at running back, but the overall depth is good and there is a lot of value that can be found in the mid rounds. The Vikings would be wise to invest a third or fourth-round choice on a running back and get more insurance for when Cook inevitably gets hurt.
There are a plethora of names Minnesota could take in this year’s draft and some being thrown around include Miles Sanders, David Montgomery, Damien Harris, and Devine Ozigbo. These guys all have the potential to not only spell Cook from time to time, but to also carry the bulk of the load if he were to go down again with an injury.
If the Vikings do end up drafting another rusher, when the team actually uses the selection will show exactly how they feel about Cook’s durability and the level faith they have in Boone.
If Minnesota ends up using a second-round pick on a running back, it will show that they think Cook is likely to get hurt again and they don’t have faith that Boone can handle the load as a replacement.
If the Vikings wait until round six or later to bring in a new ball carrier, that would make one believe the team is confident Cook can put together a full season and that Boone can handle a bigger role in their offense.
The fact is, Minnesota’s No. 2 running back job next season will belong to either Boone or a rookie and we’ll know who the early favorite will be once the draft has concluded.