The Minnesota Vikings have been fortunate to have some great running backs over the course of the team's history. Players like Chuck Foreman, Robert Smith, Dalvin Cook, and others have electrified fans with their ability to run with the football.
The discussion involving the best Vikings rushers of all time can't happen without mentioning Adrian Peterson. The franchise's leading rusher with 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns is head and shoulders above his competition and his MVP award in 2012 adds his name to the list of greatest running backs in NFL history.
Minnesota enters the 2025 offseason with questions at the running back position. Last year's starter Aaron Jones and his primary backup Cam Akers are scheduled to become free agents, leaving the team to search for a player at the position.
Adrian Peterson praised by RB prospect who Minnesota Vikings fans desperately want in purple
The top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft is Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. The explosive rusher averaged seven yards per carry in his final college year, gaining 2,601 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns on the ground.
Jeanty will be a hot prospect in the draft. Previously, the running back position was devalued a bit, but the success of Saquon Barkley with the Eagles last season could send his value soaring into the stratusphere.
In a video shared by NFL on CBS, Ashton Jeanty was asked to name his top five running backs of all time. The list should be very interesting to Minnesota Vikings fans.
He listed Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders in the top spot. It is hard to argue that decision. However, it was former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson who was named immediately after Sanders.
Jeanty's list was rounded out with Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and interestingly ironman Frank Gore. Seeing Peterson listed above legends like Smith and Tomlinson should remind Vikings fans how good "All Day" was in his prime.
Although he didn't elaborate on why he chose Adrian Peterson to be his No. 2 running back of all time, it's a solid choice. Pulling up highlights of him dominating defenders with his combination elusiveness, speed, and power is truly awe-inspiring.
It is unlikely that Ashton Jeanty will be available when the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock with the No. 24 overall pick at the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite that, it's fun to think of what the team could look like with him in the backfield.