One thing the Minnesota Vikings would like to improve on for the 2026 season is running the football.
Last season, the Vikings averaged just 108.3 yards per game, ranking 23rd in the NFL. Jordan Mason led the team with 748 rushing yards, while Aaron Jones Sr. was second with 548. It's an area of their game they want to dominate, but haven't been able to because of injuries on the offensive line and poor play at quarterback.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport likes the Vikings' chances of getting better running the ball because of a rookie they have in their backfield. Davenport believes Claiborne is an overlooked rookie who can have a big impact on the Vikings in 2026.
"At 5'8" and 188 pounds, Demond Claiborne isn't the biggest running back. The Wake Forest product fell all the way to the sixth round of this year's NFL draft before the Minnesota Vikings took a flier on him.
But what Claiborne lacks in size he makes up for with speed, elusiveness and the ability to do damage as a receiver out of the backfield."
Could Demond Claiborne step up for the Minnesota Vikings if Aaron Jones struggles again?
Over the last two seasons at Wake Forest, Claiborne has been the number-one back and has shown great abilities. He rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 and had 907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Claiborne also went for 394 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The different dynamic that Claiborne brings to the Vikings' offense is why the team took him in the fifth round. He's got blazing speed for a running back, running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, instantly separating himself from Mason and Jones.
While Mason can still be the leading back, Claiborne might actually give Jones a run for his money for the backup job. Davenport detailed this in his article about Claiborne being a threat to the veteran back.
"If Jones falters again, Claiborne is going to see significant action as the "lightning" component in a two-headed backfield. Even if Jones stays healthy, Claiborne brings some things to the table Minnesota's other backs do not.
He could easily open some eyes in his first professional season."
Jones was banged up throughout last season with the Vikings, and even when he was on the field, he just didn't look the same. He makes for a good backup running back now, but all the traits that made him a great starter in the NFL for so long are no longer there.
Minnesota needs that speed, versatile back for what they need in the offense right now. There is so much uncertainty at the quarterback position with Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy competing for the starting job.
No matter who wins it, Claiborne could be a security blanket for the quarterback so that throws aren't forced and they become turnovers.
It's time for a young talent like Claiborne to finally step into that role and be the future of the Vikings. The hope is that he can shine in Year 1 and be the dynamic weapon they want him to be.
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