3 defensive and 3 offensive prospects the Vikings should watch at the Shrine Bowl

Offensive Prospect No. 2

Frank Gore Jr. - RB (Southern Mississippi)

Is Frank Gore Jr. on this because of his name? Maybe, but he's also a capable and intriguing prospect at a position that just so happens to be a secondary need of the Vikings.

Minnesota struggled mightily to run the ball effectively in 2023. A lot of that had to do with the design of the run game and the guy calling the plays, but the ones toting the rock also need to get a share of the blame.

Alexander Mattison was a bust as a starter, and while Ty Chandler flashed some potential, it's unclear if the Vikings view him as a long-term solution. Gore will put his talents on display at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and the Vikings should take notice.

While Gore is about the same height as his father, he lacks the overall bulk, coming in at a more trim 185 pounds. He has very good overall speed and is a natural runner who can make tacklers miss.

He is an excellent blocker and also provides some punch in the passing game, hauling in 75 passes in his collegiate career for 692 yards and a handful of touchdowns.

Gore is likely a day-three pick in the draft. That's fine, as a lot of very good running backs are found after round four, and this guy has a pedigree that can't be ignored.

He would immediately improve Minnesota's depth in the offensive backfield while competing for snaps right out of the gate.