The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and it is still completely up in the air as to what the Minnesota Vikings are looking to do with their selections. With so many talented prospects available, the team could go in almost any direction when they are on the clock.
Despite Aaron Jones taking a pay cut to stick around and Jordan Mason waiting in the wings, there is a large percentage of fans and experts who believe that the purple and gold could target a running back at some point during the three-day event.
However, several running backs might be a good fit for Minnesota. In fact, there are already reports that the team is eyeing a running back who might be an interesting fit for Kevin O'Connell's offense.
A report states that the Minnesota Vikings are conducting extensive research on Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to ESPN's Jordan Reid on The Alec Lewis Show, the Minnesota Vikings are interested in Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne and have been researching him ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Claiborne spent four seasons at Wake Forest, where he played in 44 games, carrying the ball 558 times for 2,599 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 55 receptions for 424 yards and two more scores.
NFL.com projects the 22-year-old rusher to be a fifth-round pick in the draft. His athleticism score is a healthy 74, but his production score of 56 drags his total score to 67. His prospect grade of 6.1 shows a belief that the five-foot-ten, 188-pound running back could develop into a starter in the NFL.
Demond Claiborne is the fifth-best running back available, according to CBS Sports, who have him as the No. 142 prospect. If the Vikings really like him, they may have to use a third-round pick (No. 82 or 97) to pick him since they wouldn't choose again until No 163 unless a trade is made.
While the Minnesota Vikings might not be eying Claiborne for a starting role quite yet, it does make sense for the team to add some depth behind Jones and Mason, as well as prepare for a future where the purple and gold can take advantage of a player on his rookie deal. Hopefully, more research is done, and the team can make a decision on the Wake Forest running back ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.