Vikings Set Their Sights on J.J. McCarthy’s Former Teammate
A year ago, the Vikings drafted one of the key players of Michigan’s championship run when they traded up to the tenth overall draft slot to acquire J.J. McCarthy, making him their new franchise quarterback. One year later, one of his former teammates could follow.
Vikings Set Their Sights on J.J. McCarthy’s Former Teammate
In the first round, Michigan’s defensive tackle Kenneth Grant could be an option for Minnesota if he is still available when the Vikes pick 24th overall. However, his and McCarthy’s Michigan teammate, running back Kalel Mullings, could be the choice on Friday or Saturday of the draft.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport announced the Vikings had a visit set up with him. He posted on social media, “Another one for today: The #Vikings hosted #Michigan RB Kalel Mullings on a Top 30 visit, source said.”
Mullins, 22, was a high school two-way player, and the four-star recruit chose Michigan over the likes of Clemson, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. In his first two seasons at the next level, he played linebacker and special teams but halfway through his junior season, he switched to running back, primarily because of injuries to Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Mullings scored three touchdowns that year.
He was the RB3 behind the aforementioned Edwards and Corum in his fourth season. He took until year five to produce strong numbers as a running back. In 2024, he rushed 185 times for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Overall, in his college career, Mullings accumulated 1,201 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, 67 receiving yards, and 27 tackles. He also returned five kickoffs and a punt throughout his career.
At his Pro Day, he scored a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and is listed at 6-2, 226 lbs, which is huge for a running back.
PFF summarized his profile: “Mullings’ game lacks some nuance and patience due to his limited time as a full-time running back. However, his linebacker background, special teams experience, size, and mentality for yards after contact should make him an intriguing developmental prospect for an NFL team.”
Mullings is a fascinating prospect. He brings special teams experience to the table and is a powerful rusher with great physicality, who might have some untapped potential due to the lack of reps at the running back position. A downside is that his receiving resume is pretty disappointing.
It’s a fantastic draft class for running backs. Mullings is widely expected to be a day three draft pick. The Vikings have a fifth-rounder and a sixth-rounder that day, and they might add some more draft capital in later rounds by facilitating trades earlier.
Running back is no longer a need because Aaron Jones re-signed for a second season in purple, and Jordan Mason was acquired via trade from the 49ers. However, drafting a developmental running back in the later rounds could make sense. The added special teams value is another sweet aspect that will provide some value, even if he’s buried on the depth chart early in his career.
Mullings could reunite with McCarthy.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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