The Vikings must consider drafting a running back who can transform their rushing attack in 2024 and beyond. Here are five prospects who could help.
Before the 2023 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings released starting running back Dalvin Cook. The thinking was that backup Alexander Mattison was ready to become the lead back despite not having cracked 500 rushing yards in any of his four seasons with Minny.
While Cook was collecting dust on the bench of the New York Jets, Mattison was struggling in his role as the alpha of the Vikings’ running back room. Through the first two weeks of the year, Mattison had 62 rushing yards and the team smelled trouble. To beef up their ground attack, the Vikings traded for then-LA Rams running back Cam Akers in late September.
In six games with the Vikes, Akers had 138 yards and one touchdown before an Achilles injury ended his year. The injury marked the second time in Akers' career (2021) where he had an Achilles injury that shortened his season. As a restricted free agent, Minnesota has to decide if it wants to keep Akers in 2024.
It can be argued that, after addressing the quarterback situation, the Vikings must figure out who will tote the ball in ‘24 and beyond. Mattison is still under contract for next season, but he finished his fifth NFL season with 700 yards and exactly zero rushing scores. Here are five running back prospects who could transform the Vikings' offense in 2024.
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