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NFL
Vikings May Have Something in Demond Claiborne
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings made strategic picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on various positions, particularly running back. Demond Claiborne is highlighted as a player with a promising opportunity for playing time.
Key points
- Vikings focused on multiple positions in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Running back was a critical area of need
- Demond Claiborne has a clear opportunity for playing time
Mentioned in this story
Kevin O'Connell
Minnesota VikingsDemond Claiborne
Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
When the Minnesota Vikings entered the 2026 NFL Draft, there were more than a few positions they needed to address. They targeted both sides of the football and did a good job of grabbing talent all across the board. One of the positions they couldn’t afford to ignore any longer was running back.
Kevin O’Connell has grown synonymous with a lack of a running game. He has leaned into Aaron Jones and the running joke that has become Cam Akers (who is, again, available, by the way).
Claiborne Has a Clear Path to Snaps
It would have been fun to see Minnesota-native Emmett Johnson in a Vikings uniform, but they infused youth by choosing Wake Forest product Demond Caliborne.
Playing plenty as a freshman, Demond Claiborne has 44 career games under his belt at the collegiate level. He ran for 1,049 yards as a junior two seasons ago, before bumping his yards per carry average up to 5.1 this past season. Claiborne has 26 career rushing touchdowns, of which 21 came in the past two seasons.
Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne answers questions from the media during ACC Media days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Q&A
What positions did the Minnesota Vikings target in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Vikings targeted multiple positions, including running back, to strengthen their roster.
Who is Demond Claiborne and why is he significant for the Vikings?
Demond Claiborne is a running back who has a clear path to snaps, making him a key player for the Vikings' offensive strategy.
How has Kevin O'Connell's approach affected the Vikings' running game?
Kevin O'Connell's coaching has been marked by a lack of a strong running game, prompting the Vikings to address this issue in the draft.
