Vikings 53-man roster predictions heading into 2023 training camp

Running Backs (4)

• Alexander Mattison
• Ty Chandler
• DeWayne McBride (R)
• C.J. Ham (FB)

The Vikings let Dalvin Cook go just a few weeks ago, reiterating the coaching staff's faith in Alexander Mattison to carry the load as the team's starting running back going forward. Mattison has spent the last four seasons as Cook's understudy, but when Mattison has relieved Cook, the former Boise State Broncos has statistically been one of the league's best, and the Vikings are banking on that to continue.

Backup running back is where this position gets interesting. Ty Chandler spent the majority of the season on the practice squad in 2022, Kene Nwangwu has been limited to a strictly special teams role, and DeWayne McBride is entering his rookie year.

Chandler wins the backup job in this roster prediction. Kevin O'Connell has spoken very highly of him this offseason, and with Mattisons' struggles as a receiving threat, Chandler could be in for a huge 2023 season.

Before the draft, if you told a majority of the most well-respected draft analysts that McBride was going to be available in the seventh round, they probably would say you were crazy. McBride led the country in yards per carry and finished top three in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. It wouldn't be surprising to see McBride take over the backup role by the season's end.

Changes to the kickoff rules for the 2023 season makes Nwangwu basically jobless, and with his lack of experience playing the running back position, he is shown the door. It's obvious head coach Kevin O'Connell is not going to waste a roster spot on a guy to just stand in the end zone on kickoffs. You could put anyone back there this season.