Will the Minnesota Vikings add to their running back group in the 2021 NFL Draft?
Dalvin Cook will be the primary running back for the Minnesota Vikings again in 2021 and Alexander Mattison will probably remain the No. 2 guy on the depth chart. With Cook’s workload from a year ago and the lack of improvement from Mattison, it is possible the Vikings could take another ball carrier in this year’s NFL Draft.
Mike Boone left in free agency this offseason while Ameer Abdullah was retained, leaving Minnesota with three running backs who have significant experience heading into the 2021 campaign. Although, Abdullah is hardly a focal point of the offense, and he was solely on the roster in the past for his special teams contributions, which may not be enough to remain on the final roster for next season.
If the Vikings have any concern about Cook and his inability to play a full season – which is now up to 17 games – they may want to add another option behind him. There are only a handful of backs in this class that will be capable of a true starting-level workload, but that’s not what Minnesota needs.
The Vikings have a star in Cook, a bigger punisher in Mattison, and they could use a third rusher who has speed and pass-catching ability. Who are some of the running backs in this year’s draft pool that could make some sense for Minnesota if they wish to spend draft capital on the position?