The Vikings Host a Running Back for a Top 30 Visit
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings had one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL last year.
As a result, they headed into this offseason with a major need for running back help. Well, one way to rectify that need is through the draft, and this week, it was reported that the Vikings hosted Memphis RB prospect Blake Watson for a top 30 visit.
Vikings Host a RB on Top 30 Visit
The Draft Network’s Justin Melo tweeted Wednesday, “Memphis RB Blake Watson visited the Vikings on a pre-draft 30 visit yesterday, per source. Watson is now heading to Denver for a visit with the Broncos. Watson produced 1,600+ yards in 2023, averaged 6 YPC, 17 total TDs, ran a 4.39 40. Underrated player!”
Watson carries a sturdy build at the running back position, standing at 5’9″ and 190 pounds. He began his collegiate career at Old Dominion back in 2019, but he didn’t garner a consistent role in the Monarchs offense until 2021.
Since then, Watson has been one of the more productive running backs in college football with over 1000 rushing yards in two of the past three years. He transferred to Memphis in 2023, and he put together a strong 1192 rushing yards at a clip of six yards per carry.
Watson utilizes some elite speed to burst through openings in the trenches, and he is plenty capable of contributing as a receiver as well. He added 53 receptions for 480 yards and three touchdowns with the Tigers in 2023.
The Vikings are set to see some major changes to their RB room in 2023, and for good reason. They had the fourth-fewest rushing yards and tied for the fewest rushing TDs in the league. As a result, Alexander Mattison was released, and Minnesota brought in Aaron Jones as a replacement.
With Ty Chandler’s positive strides down the stretch of the season, the Vikings seem to be in a much better place in the backfield. Still, Jones will turn 30 years old in December, and he is only on a one-year contract for the 2024 season.
If the Vikings want to try to solidify their backfield for the future, Watson could be on their radar as a Day 3 prospect. The running back was one of the more surprising snubs from the NFL Scouting Combine, and as Melo suggests, he is an underrated prospect this spring.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via 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.