The Minnesota Vikings could bring back Aaron Jones next season at the age of 31, or they could try and trade up a few spots to get into the Ashton Jeanty sweepstakes.
However, there is a lesser known third path that makes sense for Minnesota if upgrading the running back position is a priority in the first round of April’s NFL draft.
That path includes the Vikings drafting Iowa Hawkeyes standout running back Kaleb Johnson with the No. 24 overall pick, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson. (Photo: Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)
Anyone who watched the Vikings’ playoff collapse to the [Los Angeles] Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason. But assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here.
Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32, as well. The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme and his impact would help open the passing game.
Johnson, 21 years old, rushed for north of 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes in 2024.
Jones was a quality back all season for Minnesota and among the best value pickups in free agency last year. But his price-to-production ratio could suffer in 2025 if he demands a raise from the $7 million he made last year based on his history of injury and the history of running backs falling off precipitously after hitting age 30.