4 Vikings who could lose their starting job to a rookie in 2023

Player No. 4

Alexander Mattison - RB

Dalvin Cook was finally released, and now the age of Alexander Mattison has come to the Minnesota Vikings. He's proven to be a capable back who can get the tough yards, can catch the football, and is faster than many give him credit for. He will have a very solid year being the primary runner for the Vikings. But will he be?

The Vikings used a seventh-round pick on University of Alabama Birmingham's DeWayne McBride. McBride was an ultra-productive runner in college who ran with great vision, patience, and toughness.

He wasn't used much as a receiver, but other than that and some ball security issues, looks to be the type of player who can carry the load for an NFL roster.

This will be something to monitor in camp. If McBride is quick to pick up the offense and shows to be a capable pass blocker, he could start getting looks with the first-team offense.

If he impresses in those opportunities, there could be rumblings that the Vikings are going with a two-headed monster at running back, and by midseason, it could end up being the rookie who gets the majority of the work.

It is Mattison's time, but his reign as the Vikings starting running back could end up being a brief one If McBride continues in the NFL where he left off in college.