NFL Mock Draft: Dane Brugler sends Vikings an intriguing weapon to bolster Kevin O'Connell's offense
The offseason is here for the Minnesota Vikings, which means that mock drafts will come fast and furious. The Athletic's Dane Brugler released a two-round mock draft on Wednesday morning that has the Vikings selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Anyone who watched the Vikings’ playoff collapse to the Rams knows Minnesota needs to address […]
The offseason is here for the Minnesota Vikings, which means that mock drafts will come fast and furious. The Athletic's Dane Brugler released a two-round mock draft on Wednesday morning that has the Vikings selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.
Anyone who watched the Vikings’ playoff collapse to the Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason. But assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here.
Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32 picks, as well. The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme, and his impact would help open the passing game.
Vikings select Kaleb Johnson in Dane Brugler's mock draft
The idea of taking a running back is an interesting one. The Vikings' running game was average over the course of the season, but they were very inconsistent on the ground.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't have consistent trust and belief in his running backs that he needed to have. Aaron Jones kept getting banged up and Cam Akers was solid throughout the year, but he isn't a true 1b.
Johnson is an interesting player at running back with some viewing him highly. He would thrive best in a wide/outside zone scheme. The Vikings do run a lot of those plays, but they have shifted to running more mid zone and duo.
Would Johnson be the best fit for the Vikings with Omarion Hampton on the board? That is a question for another day, but it's certainly a discussion point. There are also some intriguing defenders on the board, which could end up having things decided for them based on what happens in free agency.
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