With the dust settling from the 2026 NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings fans have had a little time to form their own opinions on the latest class of rookies in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
One of those picks, in particular, wasn't flashy. It definitely wasn't sexy or all that interesting, at least, on the surface.
In the fifth round, the Vikings took Michigan tight end/fullback Max Bredeson, which would actually draw a decent amount of emotion out of fans who were wondering how this team would replace the beloved C.J. Ham.
There was your answer. It's Bredeson. And, it isn't every day you'd say something like this about a fullback, but, he has some big shoes to fill.
More importantly, though, the drafting of Bredeson prompted a key question: does this mean the Vikings are going to make a more concentrated effort to run the football?
Max Bredeson's arrival could be another hint that Kevin O'Connell may make a drastic change
In case you're not as familiar, drafting a fullback in the fifth round -- if at all -- is kind of a big deal. Usually, that's a position you can find in the undrafted free agent pool. But, Bredeson was worth the draft capital.
He's a versatile player who can line up in a variety of spots, but as a blocker, he is as good as it gets.
Combine the drafting of Bredeson with the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as an assistant, and you have Vikings fans wondering if O'Connell is suddenly making a shift in his offensive philosophy.
Last year, the Vikings ran the ball the sixth-least amount of times across the league, which is especially concerning when their quarterback play was as bad as it was. What's a quarterback's best friend?
A strong commitment to the run, first and foremost.
Smith coming over from Miami, along with using capital on Bredeson, may lead Vikings fans to believe that O'Connell is finally making a necessary change. This team has to be far more committed to running the football.
The proof is there. Minnesota finished in the bottom third of the league in rushing, in 2025, averaging just over 108 yards per game on the ground. By contrast, the Buffalo Bills led the league at nearly 160
With the Vikings' quarterback play having been what it was, last year, and the unknown of whether or not Kyler Murray is truly going to change things, it is time for a shift like this.
And, we haven't even gotten to talking about what might be a Day 3 steal in Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne. The man has some wheels, but that's another story entirely.
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