The NFL Draft often sparks intense debates, especially when it comes to selecting players in the later stages of the first round. One area that tends to attract a lot of scrutiny is the decision to draft a running back in the first round. Despite the position’s importance, running backs have seen their value decline in recent years, with top prospects now generally going off the board on Day 2. In fact, for the second consecutive year, no running backs were selected in the first round in 2024—a trend that has become more common in recent drafts, even though it was rare in previous decades.
The Minnesota Vikings have been in a transitional phase at the running back position since they parted ways with Dalvin Cook in the summer of 2023. Alexander Mattison was given the lead role in 2023 but only rushed for 700 yards, prompting the team to look for additional help. Veteran Aaron Jones, signed in 2024, has provided a boost to the offense as a workhorse back. However, with Jones on a one-year deal, the Vikings will likely need to address the running back position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
One bold prediction for the 2025 Draft comes from Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News, who suggests the Vikings could select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round. Iyer believes Jeanty could offer the team a more dynamic, explosive option at running back, especially given Jones’ short-term status. Jeanty, a talented playmaker, is just 20 years old and would bring a mix of youth and skill to Minnesota’s backfield. His selection in the first round, however, would be a controversial move given the current trends against drafting running backs that early.
This potential move would certainly stir up discussion, particularly since the Vikings are expected to have only four draft picks in 2025: one in the first round, two in the fifth, and a compensatory third-round selection. With so few picks, the Vikings could explore trading back in the first round to gain more selections and still address the running back need on Day 2. The team has other pressing concerns, such as strengthening the offensive line, specifically the right guard position, and dealing with a number of expiring contracts on defense, including at cornerback and defensive tackle.
While running back is a position of need for Minnesota, the Vikings may be more likely to take a modern approach and wait until the middle rounds to select a back. The team has other more immediate needs that could take priority in the first round. Adding depth and talent in the trenches, particularly on the offensive line and defense, might be considered more crucial to the Vikings’ success in 2025.
In the end, while drafting Jeanty in the first round would be an intriguing and bold move, it is still more likely that Minnesota will focus on their more pressing needs on Day 1 of the draft. Strengthening the line of scrimmage and addressing key defensive areas may be the top priorities, with running back remaining a position that could be addressed later in the draft.
