2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: RB
I don't see the Vikings adding a running back in free agency. There's just not much out there. Even if we bring back one or both of Jones and Akers, I think the Vikings will take a RB with one of their first two picks. From this list, I love Jeanty and Henderson. Unimpressed by Skattebo and Neal. With the depth of this class, there's probably going to be good backs still on the board after the draft. One sleeper I like right now is Montrell Johnson, Jr out of Florida.
This year’s RB draft class is absolutely LOADED.
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) January 20, 2025
Some NFL scouts reportedly believe there could be “easily over 10” selected between rounds one and two.
• Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
• Omarion Hampton (UNC)
• Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
• Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
• Jordan James… pic.twitter.com/ELDTsYi4ig
StickierBuns wrote:
I don't see it with Giddens: looks slow and lacks explosiveness IMO.
It’s funny you say that because earlier I implied the same thing about Tuten, who’s even faster.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/calo_ff/status/1898401082847735830?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQThere’s no Gibbs in the lot but I think we’ve got a couple of James Cook, Clinton Portis, Deuce McCalister types that could take the O to the next level. I think we get a good 30+ yards out of JJ a game on broken plays.
When a guy like Harvey doesn't even make the top 10, you know this is a good class. Been watching more Damien Martinez. I know you've liked him for a while, but his lateral quickness and agility is impressive for a guy his size.
I don't see it with Giddens: looks slow and lacks explosiveness IMO.
I've reversed course a little after looking at more film...Treyveon Henderson is my guy. When you look at explosiveness, big play ability, weapon in the passing game, and blocking, he is the best fit for our offense and the big play threat KOC wants at the position. Give me the guy who can take a swing pass 75 yards to the house or stiffen up a blitzing linebacker coming through the A gap. He is a younger, faster Aaron Jones. If the cupboard is still bare heading into draft weekend and we haven't done anything at the position in free agency, I wouldn't mind doubling up and taking a bigger back to complement Henderson later in the draft where there will still be value.
supafreak84 wrote:
I've reversed course a little after looking at more film...Treyveon Henderson is my guy. When you look at explosiveness, big play ability, weapon in the passing game, and blocking, he is the best fit for our offense and the big play threat KOC wants at the position. Give me the guy who can take a swing pass 75 yards to the house or stiffen up a blitzing linebacker coming through the A gap. He is a younger, faster Aaron Jones. If the cupboard is still bare heading into draft weekend and we haven't done anything at the position in free agency, I wouldn't mind doubling up and taking a bigger back to complement Henderson later in the draft where there will still be value.
I think he's more explosive than his running mate Judkins. But I would be happy with either.
He might be there at 24, maybe not?
All of this years RB's need to pay some homage to Saquon, King Henry and Gibbs for re-invigorating the position.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
I think he's more explosive than his running mate Judkins. But I would be happy with either.
He might be there at 24, maybe not?
All of this years RB's need to pay some homage to Saquon, King Henry and Gibbs for re-invigorating the position.
That's where I'm leaning. Address as much as possible in free agency then pull the trigger on one of these running backs in the draft and get McCarthy another weapon defenses have to account for.
supafreak84 wrote:
That's where I'm leaning. Address as much as possible in free agency then pull the trigger on one of these running backs in the draft and get McCarthy another weapon defenses have to account for.
100%
I just look at how Gibbs makes the lions so much harder to defend.
Legit RB is way up there on the list of needs for JJM to succeed.
What will the Vikings do if the DT from Oregon and Henderson are both there at 24? That'll depend on FA I guess.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Elijah Mitchell to the Chefs
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Former #Broncos RB Javonte Williams is signing a one-year, $3 million deal with the #Cowboys, per sources. Max $3.5M with incentives. pic.twitter.com/nkMPB95Rsl
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2025
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
If we want Hampton we’re going to have to get in front of Pittsburgh. Unless the Steelers like Warren enough to make him the lead dog. I don’t hate the idea of moving up for Jeanty if he gets past Vegas. You probably have to get to the 9 slot.
Never thought we’d be two days out of FA and the only glaring need is a field tilting RB. We’re setting up for a return to the 70s without the disco ball.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
If we want Hampton we’re going to have to get in front of Pittsburgh. Unless the Steelers like Warren enough to make him the lead dog. I don’t hate the idea of moving up for Jeanty if he gets past Vegas. You probably have to get to the 9 slot.Never thought we’d be two days out of FA and the only glaring need is a field tilting RB. We’re setting up for a return to the 70s without the disco ball.
Love to find a way to draft Jeanty. Not ready to buy Hampton as RB1b though. I think Jeanty is generational and on a separate level from everyone else. I'd consider giving up our '26 1st to get him.
I think there's a 2a and 2b though, and that's Henderson and Hampton, and they change order for me just about once a week.
One of the first prospects to benefit from re-grading this week: North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) March 12, 2025
He's a first-rounder on my scale.
Scores a trait bonus (7 or higher) in EVERY SINGLE graded category. His vertical ability is awesome, but he can also slash and press like this. pic.twitter.com/lZHEyNPRUd
MaroonBells wrote:
Love to find a way to draft Jeanty. Not ready to buy Hampton as RB1b though. I think Jeanty is generational and on a separate level from everyone else. I'd consider giving up our '26 1st to get him.
I think there's a 2a and 2b though, and that's Henderson and Hampton, and they change order for me just about once a week.
I think the gap between the two is closer in my eyes only. I’m not seeing anyone else with the same opinion.
I prefer Hampton due to the triangle numbers, level of competition, and wear and tear. But, if Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith had a baby, you’d have Jeanty.
This was my favorite run of Omarion Hampton's from the GT game.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) March 12, 2025
There's some duo action to clear the strong-side C-gap. Hampton slow-plays it to draw the linebackers into their blocks, then rips through once they're corralled.
Shows his potential as a multi-tempo runner. pic.twitter.com/2asmqCjKpM
A little LeVeon Bell here.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/ic_draft/status/1899799993835299174?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQI think the gap between the two is closer in my eyes only. I’m not seeing anyone else with the same opinion.
I prefer Hampton due to the triangle numbers, level of competition, and wear and tear. But, if Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith had a baby, you’d have Jeanty.
This was my favorite run of Omarion Hampton's from the GT game.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) March 12, 2025
There's some duo action to clear the strong-side C-gap. Hampton slow-plays it to draw the linebackers into their blocks, then rips through once they're corralled.
Shows his potential as a multi-tempo runner. pic.twitter.com/2asmqCjKpMA little LeVeon Bell here.
Hampton would be great. Give me him or one of the Ohio State backs on draft day and I'm a happy camper..
Something to also keep in mind if we are looking at running backs is both Denver (20) and Pittsburgh (21) both have big needs at running back now. We could see a run (no pun intended) on running backs
Canthony wrote:
I think we go Judkins at this point and call it a day. Just trade back a few spots and get a pick. We just need to find a partner. I like Judkins a ton.
I'll say this about Judkins, among the bigger backs like Hampton and Johnson, he has better lateral quickness and agility. I think he might have the highest floor too. I like Henderson more than him only because he's a little faster, a little bit better receiver and he's probably the best pass protector among the top 4 backs. That's a big deal for our offense.
MaroonBells wrote:
I'll say this about Judkins, among the bigger backs like Hampton and Johnson, he has better lateral quickness and agility. I think he might have the highest floor too. I like Henderson more than him only because he's a little faster, a little bit better receiver and he's probably the best pass protector among the top 4 backs. That's a big deal for our offense.
I dont think Henderson will be there at 24 if I was a betting man...He'll be the 2nd or 3rd back taken.
I hAve a feeling Jeanty wont get past Chicago.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
I dont think Henderson will be there at 24 if I was a betting man...He'll be the 2nd or 3rd back taken.
Well the problem is we now have two RB needy teams picking directly ahead of us, so you might be right.
MaroonBells wrote:
I'll say this about Judkins, among the bigger backs like Hampton and Johnson, he has better lateral quickness and agility. I think he might have the highest floor too. I like Henderson more than him only because he's a little faster, a little bit better receiver and he's probably the best pass protector among the top 4 backs. That's a big deal for our offense.
Pass protections is a big plus for Henderson. I just like Judkins. He has that attitude about him. Confident, work ethic, smarts, and just a well rounded back.
Don't get me wrong, I like them both, but for some reason I trust Judkins more.
supafreak84 wrote:
Hampton would be great. Give me him or one of the Ohio State backs on draft day and I'm a happy camper..
Something to also keep in mind if we are looking at running backs is both Denver (20) and Pittsburgh (21) both have big needs at running back now. We could see a run (no pun intended) on running backs
Let’s say Jeanty goes to Vegas, Chicago, or Dallas. Denver could go Henderson or Hampton. Pittsburgh I could see Hampton, Johnson or Judkins.
Worst case scenario is Johnson is the best RB left. With our reconfigured iOL, I think that’s an ok option any other year. Depending on the CBs, iDL, S left I go elsewhere.
Emmanwori would be such a fun chess piece. Revel would give the CB room size. Harmon or Alexander would provide great rotational options and depth. Then assuming additional draft capital is acquired, hit RB with Harvey and Martinez. That works.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
Let’s say Jeanty goes to Vegas, Chicago, or Dallas. Denver could go Henderson or Hampton. Pittsburgh I could see Hampton, Johnson or Judkins.
Worst case scenario is Johnson is the best RB left. With our reconfigured iOL, I think that’s an ok option any other year. Depending on the CBs, iDL, S left I go elsewhere.
Emmanwori would be such a fun chess piece. Revel would give the CB room size. Harmon or Alexander would provide great rotational options and depth. Then assuming additional draft capital is acquired, hit RB with Harvey and Martinez. That works.
I'd be sad to see some of these potential field tilters go, but yah -- those teams could very well scoop-up the top 3-4 rated backs.
Truth is, our defensive backfield is our biggest area still in need of starters.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
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