The Vikings’ New Signing is a “Pinball” Runner
Stand back to assess some of the basic details for the Vikings’ new signing.
Earlier in the week, Minnesota added Corey Kiner to the practice squad. The running back is listed as being 5’9″ and he weighs 209 pounds. Add onto that smaller frame some less than impressive speed — a 4.57 forty — and it’s clear why he became an undrafted pickup following the 2025 NFL Draft. One can’t help but think of Aaron Jones, though, when looking at the latest runner to call Minnesota home.
The Vikings’ New Signing is Corey Kiner
Mr. Jones is a tremendous player, someone who has overcome his 5th-Round draft placement to become one of the better runners of his era. Being tough, versatile, and hard working (which is to say nothing of the leadership) has given Jones the capacity to find professional success.
| Player | Height | Weight | Forty Time | Draft Spot |
| Aaron Jones | 5’10” | 208 | 4.56 | No. 182, 5th RD |
| Corey Kiner | 5’9″ | 209 | 4.57 | UDFA |
So, Jones may reasonably be someone for Kiner to look up to as the pair work together in the Twin Cities. After all, Jones is a running back who is listed as being 5’10” and weighing 208 pounds. Partner the humble height/weight combo with running a 4.56 forty and there’s no wonder he lasted until the No. 182 pick. Generally, smaller and slower runners don’t find a pile of success in the NFL.
Jones has proven to be different. Can Corey Kiner see what the veteran has done and then work toward doing likewise?
Consider the scouting report from the NFL’s website: “Compact runner who is light on explosiveness but heavy on production and consistency. The more film you watch, the more you realize how rare it is to see Kiner brought down by the first tackler. He can slink around solid contact or pinball off of it for additional yardage. He’s not super fast, but he runs with unchanging pace and a downhill tilt. Kiner is functional in the passing game but he’s not a third-down back and has no real special teams experience. He maximizes each carry to the best of his ability but lacks the burst and athleticism to survive behind a subpar line.”
The idea of being a “pinball” runner is a good thing for a smaller running back.
One can envision what the scouting report is describing. Kiner is going to naturally have the leverage advantage over a lot of tacklers due to being shorter. He can use that reality to his advantage, bouncing off contact to chew up more yards before being brought to the ground. Do so at a consistent enough level and touches on offense are going to arrive.
The real issue, at least per the scouting report, is that Corey Kiner doesn’t offer a ton as a pass catcher or on specials. These are areas where he’ll need to grow.
Go back to Aaron Jones, who is excellent in the passing game. The veteran runner is a strong blocker, someone who steps up with courage to take on a blitzing linebacker. Even more impressive is what he can do catching the ball. Jones doesn’t just catch short routes to the flats. He can be tasked with getting downfield and beating defensive backs.
Last season alone, Jones had 62 targets turn into 51 catches for 408 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was responsible for generating a long pass-interference penalty in Week 1 before then catching a huge touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy while overcoming the Bears.
Were I Kiner, I would be following Jones around the building, soaking up as much wisdom as possible. See what Jones does and then do the same.
Indeed, Corey Kiner’s task is going to involve rounding out his game from the practice squad. Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, and Cam Akers are the top trio. Once healthy, Aaron Jones will get worked into the mix, forming a strong tandem with Mason.
Within all of that, Kiner can try to emulate Jones as he works toward someday becoming a contributor on Sunday.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
