The Minnesota Vikings did almost everything they could to build a better running game this season. But through seven games, they’re struggling to find someone who can pound the rock. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason haven’t had consistent success on the ground, and rumors are flying as the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaches.
Many fans believe that acquiring Jonathan Taylor in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts would solve the problem. But with the Vikings once again trying to balance the future with their present opportunity, it would be nice if a rookie like Demond Claiborne stepped up.
A sixth-round pick during April’s draft, Claiborne generated plenty of hype as Jones compared his speed and burst to Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs. But after being inactive in the last two games and logging just six carries for 13 yards, the Vikings may have passed over a potential solution in Kansas City Chiefs rookie Emmett Johnson.
Minnesota Vikings’ Demond Claiborne looks worse after Emmett Johnson’s breakout
Fans had good reason to be excited about Claiborne’s potential. A rumored target for the Vikings going into the draft, Claiborne ran for 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching 51 passes for 394 yards and two touchdowns in his final two seasons at Wake Forest. Claiborne’s speed was also a selling point as he blazed a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
With a scheme that featured more outside zone runs, Claiborne’s home run ability was likely part of the Vikings’ plans. But he hasn’t been able to get on the field due to his issues with ball security and pass protection.
Claiborne shouldn’t feel too bad as the Vikings have seemingly stuck most of the 2026 rookie class into the slow cooker in the middle of a championship push. But it’s hard for Vikings fans to not think of what could have been after watching Johnson break out for the Chiefs last week.
Johnson had just one carry for 15 yards in Kansas City’s loss to the Denver Broncos. But it went viral, breaking multiple tackles on his way to a big gain. Johnson also caught five passes for 128 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown.
While his season stats on the ground aren’t much to write home about (20 carries, 77 yards), he’s averaging 9.2 yards on 34 touches this season. He also hasn’t made many mistakes as he’s yet to fumble and is seeing an increased role thanks to his ability to pick up blitzes in pass protection.
“We knew he could run the ball, but the thing we had to see was the pass protection,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said at the end of the preseason. “For him to be that No. 2 back, you’ve gotta be able to do that.”
Looking at Johnson’s profile, the Vikings should have seen this coming. Johnson ran for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns as a starter last year at Nebraska and showed ability to contribute in the passing game with 46 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns. But whether it was prioritizing getting fullback Max Bredeson or just getting beat to the punch before they were on the clock three picks later, the Minneapolis native looks like a prospect that should have been kept at home.
Passing on Emmett Johnson could be a costly move for the Vikings
Johnson wouldn’t have had the same impact that trading for Taylor would have. But unlike Claiborne, he would have given the Vikings something.
A multi-purpose back, Johnson would have been an upgrade over Mason, who was efficient with 4.8 yards per carry but seemed allergic to contributing in the passing game. He also could have given the Vikings fresh legs in the backfield, which is something Jones didn’t have after he carried the ball 85 times in the four games that Mason was on injured reserve with a thumb fracture.
Of course, Johnson could have also been mothballed just like the rest of the rookie class. But he would at least be a cheap option for 2027 and beyond as the Vikings haggle over the draft capital and the financial implications of trading for Taylor ahead of the trade deadline.
If anything, letting Johnson slide feels like a missed opportunity that is costing the Vikings as they try to jump-start their running game.
Add us as a preferred source on Google