Vikings RB Aaron Jones Dropped an Eyebrow-Raiser of a Comment
Bringing a talent as sensational as the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs into the mix of a conversation will raise some eyebrows. Still, Aaron Jones went there, connecting rookie runner Demond Claiborne to the Detroit weapon who is too often overlooked in discussions of the NFL’s top running back.
The point isn’t to suggest that Claiborne is going to be Gibbs in 2026. Nor, for that matter, is the point that Claiborne will ever be as good as Gibbs (maybe he will, maybe he won’t; let the rookie have his shot). Rather, the point from Jones is that Claiborne offers elite wheels, sensational speed on a field of athletes who all boast sensational speed. Being able to outrun NFL players is ultra difficult, leaving Jones impressed by what he’s seeing.
Aaron Jones Sees Upside in Demond Claiborne
At no point in the Kevin O’Connell era has the running game been good enough. Sometimes there has been an efficient yards-per-carry average. The issue has been the head coach’s reluctance to consistently run the ball.
Moving into 2026, the Minnesota Vikings would be wise to adjust.
Hiring Frank Smith is a nice boost for the coaching staff. Just listen to Jones discuss the former Dolphins coach to get a sense of what Smith brings to the table. Moreover, there have been various additions in recent years that have all been meant to restore some degree of respectability to the ground attack. Think TE Josh Oliver, RG Will Fries, RB Jordan Mason, and WR Jauan Jennings. Even drafting FB Max Bredeson points toward at least some semblance of a desire to run.
Still, the coach who calls plays does need to put his playcalling where his personnel is.
As RB3, Demond Claiborne isn’t likely to gobble up huge touches. As a result, the young fella needs to make the most out of the touches he does get. Proving efficient and explosive will prompt the top coach to integrate him more into the attack on offense.
— READ MORE: Vikings Coach Will Feed the Hype with Latest Update —
— READ MORE: Vikings D-Lineman Boasts Added Size, Muscle —
— READ MORE: Brian Flores Landed the Corner He Has Been Chasing for a While —
“You can tell he’s special when he steps out there on the field,” Jones said of Claiborne before noting that the rookie boasts a “different gear to him.” Jones went on: “Honestly, he looks a little bit like Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of that speed and that burst.”
As a Demon Deacon in 2025, Claiborne offered 179 carries for 907 yards and 10 scores. The 5.1 yards-per-carry average is very healthy. By no means does that mean Claiborne will prove so efficient in his debut NFL season, but that’s a strong recent performance. Do remember that Minnesota traded up to draft him.
Going into 2026, the Minnesota Vikings appear likely to roll with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason as the top twosome.
Jones does essentially everything well, though he has slowed down a touch when moving the ball on the ground. Expect him to be a strong option catching the ball and when blocking. Meanwhile, Mason is going to remain as the rugged runner who offers more elegance than most give him credit for since he’s so physical.
Behind these two well-known runners is the rookie, Demond Claiborne. Boasting elite wheels gives him a shot to chew up the field in a hurry. Maybe that leads to a run or two that’s reminiscent of Detroit’s Gibbs.
