Report: Vikings are Bringing a Runner with Elite Speed in for a Visit
The Minnesota Vikings could be venturing into a quiet period, backing away from additions within free agency to instead turn toward the 2026 NFL Draft. To that end, a recent decision to bring a runner to town is of some note.
Consider the word coming from Ryan Fowler. He writes, “Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit. Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.”
Vikings Meeting with Speedy Runner
As things stand, the Vikings boast a trio of running backs, all of whom did work in the Twin Cities last year. Consider a best guess at the upcoming hierarchy in Week 1:
- RB1 Jordan Mason
- RB2 Aaron Jones
- RB3 Zavier Scott
The remaining budget is quite modest. Furthermore, the most impressive talents from the open market have been scooped up. Quite possibly, the move is to bring in a low-level veteran, but the path ahead appears to involve dipping into the draft for runner reinforcements. Doing so means adding cheap, young talent while hoping that whoever gets picked raises the ceiling.
Consider where Demond Claiborne finds himself within some of the draft rankings to get a sense of where he could plausibly get picked:
At least in a general sense, the Vikings are doing due diligence with a runner who could get scooped up somewhere within the 5th.
He did his work for Wake Forest in 2025. Claiborne’s statistics reveal that he turned 179 carries into 907 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Tossing up a 5.1 yards-per-carry average is healthy; so, too, is the touchdown total an encouraging number.
The year prior, Claiborne had 228 carries go for 1,049 yards (4.6 average) and 11 touchdowns. Again, healthy production.
Similarly notable is that he’s a capable receiver. Last season, Claiborne had 28 catches go for 140 receiving yards. He was far more explosive in 2024, turning 23 catches into 254 yards and 2 touchdowns.
At 5’10” and 195 pounds, Demond Claiborne possesses a frame that’s closer to Jones than Mason. Looking for a thumper to grind out tough yards may not be his best role as an NFL player. Speed and explosiveness in green grass may be the way forward. But, to be sure, there’s much that remains in front of the young fella, so we’ll see what he’s able to do.
Minnesota is the proud owner of nine draft picks. Trades are very likely to occur, but it’s worth remembering that there’s a large gap between No. 97 and No. 163. Quite possibly, Demond Claiborne gets scooped up within the chasm of selections that sees the Vikings on the sidelines.
If, however, there’s a move up the board, Minnesota could be doing so take the Demon Deacon. Alternatively, a drop down into the 160s could lead to a Minnesota selection.
The Vikings’ top roster needs are at center, corner, linebacker, defensive tackle, running back, and receiver. Best guess as of mid-March is that at least a single running back gets added in the draft. Afterwards, snagging another RB (or two) from within undrafted free agency makes sense.
Demond Claiborne is 22.
