7 running backs the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Jerome Ford (Cincinnati)

Measurements:

• Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 220 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 215 carries, 1,319 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns
• 21 catches, 220 yards, 1 touchdown

Behind Cincinnati’s run to the College Football Playoff this past season was the emergence of Jerome Ford in the run game for the Bearcats.

Ford is very difficult to bring down in the open field and has the acceleration to get there very quickly. He is a patient runner who has shown the speed to run away from defenders at the second level after making decisive cuts. Ford is a no-nonsense, one-cut back that would thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

Ford rushed for 1,391 yards and 19 touchdowns this past season which was good for seventh in the nation. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, but he is fully capable of handling early-down roles as well.

He could improve in the passing game as both a blocker and receiver, which would help him earn more opportunities to stay on the field in the NFL.

Ford transferred from Alabama after scoring 3 touchdowns in 2019. The Alabama running back to the NFL pipeline has been strong over the years. Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Mark Ingram, and Najee Harris have represented the Tide well in between the tackles of the NFL.

While Ford didn’t graduate from the same school as the previous players mentioned, he was born from the same roots.

Ford would be a good fit for the Vikings as early as the fourth round. He is skilled enough as a runner to step in right away and carry the ball in certain situations. Alexander Mattison has not proven himself as a short-yardage back and Ford has the ability to carve out his niche with the Vikings in a Matt Asiata-role in year one.