2026 Free Agency and Draft: RB
I think I'd add Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne to this list linked below. This class doesn't have the depth of last year's class, but right now it seems there are 7 RBs that I'd be pretty happy with: Love, Price, Coleman, Johnson, Washington, Claiborne and Singleton. While I loved Singleton the first time I put him on (he's the best physical specimen in this class) his poor final season does cause some concern.
Still, unless we bring back Aaron Jones, and I doubt we do, we need a starter on day one, so I think this could be a position where we tap into the free agency market. Breece Hall, Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker III all free agents, with Etienne the most likely to hit the market IMO.
https://youtube.com/shorts/SG2o8GS_NJg?si=jv0ga4OyijBISGVh
purplefaithful wrote:
I think McCarthy really missed Udinski last year...
When he left I said he’d be interviewing for HC slots in two years. I was off by one. Absolutely a rising star and an absolute mistake not promoting him while keeping Bum’s kid in place.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Looking through some old videos and this one of #PSU RB Nick Singleton chip blocking Gabe Jacas and making a catch out of the backfield is a glimpse of the skill set he brings to the NFL. https://t.co/utRJBNom7g
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 6, 2026
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
The RB I’m actually pretty high on is Kaytron Allen. You can get him in round 5 ish unless a team surprises and takes him in the 4th. Workhorse back that can break tackles and blocks decent. Patient runner that’s strong with size. Some will say we have Mason already. So? Allen is more talented and rushed for 5 yards a carry. Can catch out the backfield. He’s a RB I really like. Not to mention, he stays on the field and doesn’t have injury concern
https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/penn-state-football-running-back-kaytron-allen-nick-singleton-curious-case-255936317/
Kaytron Allen all day long over Singleton. Allen is truly the all around back. Would love him in Purple somehow. Demond Claiborne I like as well.
Love @dpbrugler description of Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne, who is a serious option for the #Vikings on day 3.
— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) April 8, 2026
"Low-calorie De'Von Achane" - exactly the change of pace that Minnesota's backfield needs. pic.twitter.com/1aAiJS5yRp
Dane sees the Achane comp as well. Frank Smith, are you listening?
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/vikesvv/status/2041891814228013408?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQDane sees the Achane comp as well. Frank Smith, are you listening?
Claiborne's burst is cartoonish. I think I'd rather take a guy like him on day three than burn a 2nd rounder on Price. I think the Vikings like the Husker. Not sure why I think that but I do. They'll have to teach him how to pass block.
"low man wins"
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 10, 2026
- Jonah Coleman pic.twitter.com/RVTEcfxlbN
Hello.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/joshnorris/status/2042666938539647229?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQHello.
That's my guy. Watched more of him this morning to see if I "really" liked him more than Price. And yes, I do.
The #Vikings have done “a ton of homework” on Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne, @Jordan_Reid mentioned via the @AlecLewisShow.
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) April 10, 2026
“He’s somebody that I’ve heard they like quite a bit. Crazy enough, my comp for him is Aaron Jones, so it makes sense.” pic.twitter.com/DxmRMlb4uS
Giddy fucking up.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2042740600563204177?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQGiddy fucking up.
I've heard Aaron Jones comps before with Claiborne. Similar in size maybe and as a pass catcher, but Claiborne's speed and burst is on another level.
MaroonBells wrote:
I've heard Aaron Jones comps before with Claiborne. Similar in size maybe and as a pass catcher, but Claiborne's speed and burst is on another level.
I think Achane is the closer comp. The lateral agility is crazy.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
I think Achane is the closer comp. The lateral agility is crazy.
Agree that Achane is a better comp for Claiborne. You know who reminds me of Aaron Jones? Jadarian Price.
I am dangerously high on Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne
— Nico (@elitetakes_) April 11, 2026
Firmly in my top 5 RBs pic.twitter.com/llLVYNQvrO
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Nick Singleton is an unreal athlete https://t.co/uKeUpi9Top
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) April 13, 2026
His senior year was confounding. I’ve been waiting for months to hear he was playing with a non disclosed injury or something. Completely different player as a junior. Definitely outshone by Allen last year. I just don’t get it.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
His senior year was confounding. I’ve been waiting for months to hear he was playing with a non disclosed injury or something. Completely different player as a junior. Definitely outshone by Allen last year. I just don’t get it.
I don't like either one very much right now. I might change my mind but I would take Love, Price, Coleman, Johnson and even Claiborne before Allen, Singleton and Washington.
MaroonBells wrote:
I don't like either one very much right now. I might change my mind but I would take Love, Price, Coleman, Johnson and even Claiborne before Allen, Singleton and Washington.
Watch his 24 tape and it’s a different guy altogether. I just don’t understand the drop off.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
"He is going to make a franchise really, really happy."@Jbooty88 on Jonah Coleman's bright future in the NFL 🌟#B1GToday pic.twitter.com/jAWhhrnh26
— Washington on BTN (@WashingtonOnBTN) April 13, 2026
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
This was my first impression of Black too. He runs like his shoelaces are tied together. How he waddled his way to a 4.45 is amazing to me. Granted, Kyler Murray runs a bit like this too.
It's very impressive how far Kaelon Black has made it with this stride length. pic.twitter.com/RPQCtvQhtd
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 15, 2026
MaroonBells wrote:
This was my first impression of Black too. He runs like his shoelaces are tied together. How he waddled his way to a 4.45 is amazing to me. Granted, Kyler Murray runs a bit like this too.It's very impressive how far Kaelon Black has made it with this stride length. pic.twitter.com/RPQCtvQhtd
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 15, 2026You can almost hear Jenny yelling “run Forrest, run”.
I discounted Mike Washington due to his fumbling issues (7 in the last two years). Might be the dullest RB tape I’ve ever watched. Pffft.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
You can almost hear Jenny yelling “run Forrest, run”.
I discounted Mike Washington due to his fumbling issues (7 in the last two years). Might be the dullest RB tape I’ve ever watched. Pffft.
Kiper just mocked Washington to the Vikes Rd 2
49. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are on expiring deals, and Washington's 4.33 speed would add another element to the offense (which also now features Kyler Murray's mobility under center). Washington ran for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and he added 28 catches out of the backfield.
ps- had Lions pick OT Freeling at 17 and Thieneman to Vikes at 18
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
He might run like a penguin on speed, but he sure can pass block...
enjoy some kaelon black pass pro pic.twitter.com/itxkwgM4sM
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 15, 2026
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