The Minnesota Vikings have never had a strong running game during Kevin O'Connell's tenure as head coach. A part of the problem has been a lack of commitment to it by O'Connell as a play caller, but other issues have led to the dismal results.
With moves made last offseason, the signing of center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, followed by the trade for running back Jordan Mason, that was supposed to change. But the Vikings were actually a shade worse in rushing yards per game last season, compared to 2024, albeit with a slight bump up in yards per carry to basically make it a wash overall.
This offseason, Aaron Jones seemed to be on his way out as Mason's backfield mate before the surprise move to adjust his contract and keep him around. That sound you just heard is c the echo of is Mason's 2026 fantasy value taking a tumble on the news of Jones coming back.
As the draft fast approaches, the Vikings seem to be firmly in the market for a running back--as they should be. The question is what kind of draft capital will be invested in the position, but it surely won't be their first-round pick unless Jeremiyah Love inexplicably falls a lot.
Draft fit for Minnesota Vikings would instantly crush the fantasy value of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently named two top fantasy football landing spots for some of this year's top draft prospects. Love is, of course, the headliner, and of course, the Vikings are not one of his two best landing spots for fantasy purposes.
But Davenport did have the Vikings as one of the best fits for Love's backfield mate at Notre Dame, Jadarian Price.
"Jeremiyah Love isn't the only Notre Dame running back who could go relatively early in this year's draft.
Jadarian Price didn't post huge numbers with the Fighting Irish playing behind Love last year—674 rushing yards on just 113 carries. But the 5'11", 203-pounder scored 11 times on the ground, and Chris Pflum of SB Nation (h/t Yahoo! Sports) believes Price has what it takes to thrive in a larger role at the professional level.
"Price is a compact back at 5'11" and 203 pounds, but runs with good power and a natural feel for getting behind his pads going into contact," he said. "He runs bigger than he measures and consistently manages to churn out tough yardage as well as fall forward for positive yardage while being tackled."
After mentioning the Seattle Seahawks as the best fantasy fit for Price, or any rookie running back, Davenport arguably made a better case for the Vikings.
"The Minnesota Vikings would also be a good spot. Aaron Jones is 31 years old, and Jordan Mason has missed time each of the past two seasons."
Davenport noted Price's lack of usage as a pass catcher in college (15 receptions over three seasons), but he averaged 10.8 yards per catch.'
The same could be said about Love regarding a lack of pass-catching work relative to his potential in that area, so the Notre Dame offense is more to blame than anything else in that regard.
Price averaged an even 6.0 yards per carry over his three seasons at Notre Dame, with 18 rushing touchdowns over his final two seasons when his role grew. \There's a case for him as the second-best running back in this draft, with a lot more tread on his tires than his star college teammate upon entering the NFL.
Price is projected to be a Day 2 pick later this month, which would theoretically be right in the Vikings' wheelhouse to take a running back with three picks over the second and third rounds. If he's the best player available at any of those three points, even at pick No. 49, there'd be a solid case for the Vikings to take him.
If Price is the rookie running back the Vikings draft, he would overturn the 2026 fantasy outlooks for Mason and Jones on his way to the top of the depth chart.