5 RB prospects who could transform the Vikings offense in 2024
By Ben Donahue
Vikings running back prospect No. 3
Audric Estime, Notre Dame
Should the Vikings second-guess themselves and decide they want more heft from their running back, Estime is their guy. The 5’11, 233-pounder became the Irish’s full-time starter in 2023 after a 920-yard, 11 touchdown sophomore year in 2022. In 2023, Estime rumbled for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns.
After the ‘23 season, Estime received a host of awards including Notre Dame’s Offensive Player of the Year and second-team All-American designation from several media outlets including USA Today and CBS Sports.
Estime could have returned for his senior year but decided to skip it to pursue the NFL Draft. He also skipped Notre Dame’s Sun Bowl game against Oregon State to prepare for the draft.
When running the ball, Estime thrives on contact and bullies his way through opposing defenses. Scouts also like his field vision and patience when toting the rock. As with Corum, NFL scouts wonder about Estime’s ability as a receiver out of the backfield. During his time in South Bend, Estime caught only 26 total passes for 277 yards and a touchdown. He is expected to be drafted in the second or third rounds.