The Minnesota Vikings' veteran running back duo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason left much to be desired in their first season together. So, the club brought in some reinforcements à la rookie Demond Claiborne.
Minnesota retained oft-injured Jones on a "revised contract" earlier this offseason, AKA he took a pay cut to avoid getting released. Meanwhile, Mason has demonstrated a high ceiling, but his inconsistency and limitations as a pass-catcher are valid concerns.
Enter Claiborne, the Vikings' 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 198 overall). They traded up to select the Wake Forest star after reportedly doing extensive research on him ahead of this year's NFL Draft.
His résumé and the team's apparent interest in seeing what he can do, plus Jones and Mason's shortcomings, could trigger a backfield shift in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings rookie RB Demond Claiborne has a viable path to being an immediate contributor
Claiborne ranks in the top five in Wake Forest's program history in rushing yards (2,599) and touchdowns (26). What he lacks in size (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) is offset by a great blend of speed and explosiveness.
His playmaking juice is worth the squeeze for a Vikings ground game that can use a home-run hitter.
Jones, who's entering his age-32 campaign, has durability issues that don't figure to improve with time and additional wear and tear.
He averaged 4.2 yards per attempt in 2025, which was slightly below the league average (4.4). It's easy to envision him giving way to the younger, fresher Claiborne, whether it be via injury or ineffectiveness — or both.
Then there's Mason, who's a non-factor as a receiver. He's been limited to a two-down role as a pro, recording 28 receptions across four seasons. However, his volatile week-to-week production may open the door for Claiborne to carve out a larger piece of the pie sooner rather than later.
Perhaps Jones and Mason can turn things around with better health for them and the Vikings' offensive line. Expected improved quarterback play with two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray presumably under center should help, too. Nevertheless, Claiborne is lurking in the shadows.
A Wake Forest squad that turned heads last year leaned heavily on Claiborne. He forced 37 missed tackles and 544 yards after contact across 12 games. His ability to generate chunk gains was evident, posting 23 explosive runs (10-plus yards) and 12 carries of at least yards, per Pro Football Focus.
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