Minnesota Vikings’ draft decision has one current player’s job in serious jeopardy going forward
The NFL Draft has come and gone, and there is one player who has an uphill battle to secure their roster spot.
The NFL Draft saw the Minnesota Vikings address a bevy of needs across the board. Defensively, Brian Flores got a lot of fascinating pieces to maximize his defense long-term. Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, and Domonique Orange are going to be core pieces for them over the next 5-10 years.
Offensively, the Vikings did very little to address multiple issues. Wide receiver and tight end, despite having solid classes, weren’t addressed in the NFL Draft. They did add a fullback/H-back in Max Bredeson, swing tackle in Caleb Tiernan, and depth center Gavin Gerhardt. The most intriguing player in this class came in the sixth-round, and that could lead into a fascinating camp battle.
Zavier Scott in for a training camp battle with Demond Claiborne
When looking at what veteran players are in danger of losing their jobs this summer, the top option has to be running back Zavier Scott. A practice squad signing in 2024, Scott ended up being on the active roster for the majority of the season. He even caught a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His emergence allowed the Vikings to move on from Cam Akers.
While Scott only played 105 offensive snaps in 2025, he was used regularly as a change-of-pace back. He rushed for 114 yards on 32 carries and catching 14 passes for 98 yards and the above wheel route touchdown. He likely doesn’t elevate to anything more than an RB3, but that’s a valuable piece to have.
Normally, a sixth-round pick wouldn’t be a major player when it comes to usurping a player on the roster, but running back is a different position. Demond Claiborne offers the VIkings something that they don’t have: juice. He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash and was explosive in the open field. They need some of that in the running back room. Overall, he’s a similar change of pace back that the Vikings need to have on the roster.
Even so, things don’t look great for Scott. He will need to show out in training camp and the preseason to take a step forward. The one aspect that could keep him on the roster is on third downs. Showcasing his pass-blocking ability could be what keeps him on the 53-man roster, as it’s the one area where Vikings’ running backs have struggled in recent years.
Outside of quarterback, it’s set up to be the biggest roster battles for the Vikings this year.