A Look at RB Prospects Who Could Fill the Vikings’ Backfield Needs
Josh Frey
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Unlike years past, there really isn’t a home run RB1 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, this could play to the benefit of the Minnesota Vikings as they should be able to find a playmaker in the later rounds as the depth at the position is still very solid. Here is a look at a few RB prospects who can help fill the Vikings’ needs in the backfield in 2024.
Marshawn Lloyd (USC)
Marshawn Lloyd is a powerful running back who can plow through defenders in the trenches. At 5’9″ and 217 pounds, Lloyd has tree trunks for legs which allow him to constantly keep churning for extra yardage. Lloyd averaged nearly four yards after contact per carry in 2023 and forced 47 missed tackles on his 116 carries, per PFF.
In addition to his powerful running style, Lloyd is plenty capable of running routes and playing the role of a receiver out of the backfield. He caught 31 passes over the past two seasons, totaling 408 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Dylan Laube (New Hampshire)
Dylan Laube does a little bit of everything at the running back position. The New Hampshire running back totaled nearly 1500 total yards from scrimmage in 2023, with 745 rushing yards and 708 receiving yards to his name. To boot, he is a very solid blocking presence out of the backfield as well.
As a route-runner in the passing game, you won’t find a more nuanced player at the RB position. Laube continuously was thrown into WR 1-on-1 drills at the Senior Bowl, and he did a great job of holding his own down in the red zone running routes. He may be a small school product, but Laube looks like a player to keep an eye on as we march closer to the NFL Draft.
Jaylen Wright (Tennessee)
Explosive speed is the calling card of Jaylen Wright. The Tennessee RB totaled 136 carries in 2023, and he averaged 7.4 yards per carry over the course of the campaign, which ranked second in the FBS among 157 running backs with at least 100 carries.
Wright struggles to shed tacklers because of his slimmer frame, but success from speedsters at the position like De’Von Achane, Breece Hall, and Keaton Mitchell make him a very intriguing prospect heading into the spring.
Ray Davis (Kentucky)
Ray Davis transferred to Kentucky in 2023 after stints at both Temple and Vanderbilt, and he has proven capable of being a three-down RB throughout his career. He picks up plenty of yards in the trenches, totaling 1000+ yards from scrimmage in different seasons for all three programs.
In addition, Davis can contribute as a very proficient receiver out of the backfield. He totaled 33 receptions for 323 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2023 season. Davis will need to improve as a blocker in pass protection, but he should be a very productive playmaker at the NFL level.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.