The Minnesota Vikings face a decision regarding their running back situation for next season. They could retain Aaron Jones, who will be 31, or attempt to move up in the draft for a shot at landing Ashton Jeanty. However, a less obvious but practical option involves selecting Iowa Hawkeyes star Kaleb Johnson with the No. 24 pick in the first round of the NFL draft, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
While improving the offensive line remains a priority—especially after the Vikings’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams—those upgrades could come through free agency. This would allow the team to focus on securing a dynamic running back in the draft. Though Jeanty is expected to dominate first-round running back discussions, Johnson is also a strong contender to be selected within the top 32 picks.
Johnson, a 21-year-old standout, rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for Iowa in 2024. His skill set makes him a perfect match for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme, potentially enhancing the team’s passing game as well.
While Jones proved to be a valuable free-agent addition in 2024, his injury history and the tendency for running backs to decline after 30 could make his contract demands challenging to justify if he seeks a raise from the $7 million he earned last season.
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