In the 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Vikings select a dynamic running back in Round 1 to strengthen their offense.

The Minnesota Vikings have had a mixed history with their running back position over the years. From the historic days of Adrian Peterson, who remains one of the most dominant players in NFL history, to the recent era with Dalvin Cook, who provided the team with consistent production and playmaking ability, the Vikings have been known for their powerful running game. However, as the NFL evolves, so too do team needs. The 2025 NFL Draft could very well mark a turning point for the Vikings as they look to future-proof their offense, with a potential focus on adding a dynamic running back in Round 1.

After a year of reflection and retooling, the Vikings have made it clear that their offensive identity needs to shift. With the league embracing a more balanced offensive approach—combining explosive aerial attacks with a solid running game—the Vikings will look to strike gold in the 2025 Draft, finding a running back who can complement their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and elevate their offensive output to a Super Bowl-contending level.

Why the Vikings are Eyeing a Running Back in Round 1

There are several reasons why the Vikings may choose to address their running back position early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Dalvin Cook’s Uncertainty:
   While Dalvin Cook has been a staple of the Vikings’ offense for years, his contract situation has been a constant point of speculation. After several seasons of solid production, Cook’s future with the Vikings has been called into question due to salary cap constraints and a growing need for a more flexible offensive scheme. Cook’s high salary makes him a potential cap casualty, and the Vikings may look to find a more cost-effective yet equally dynamic option at running back.
2. The Shift to a More Balanced Offense:
   The Vikings’ offensive philosophy has been relatively pass-heavy in recent seasons. With Kirk Cousins under center, Minnesota has focused on airing the ball out, particularly with the development of young star Justin Jefferson. However, a strong running game is still essential for success in the NFL, particularly when it comes to controlling the clock and maintaining offensive balance. A high-impact running back can open up play-action opportunities, force defenses to respect the run, and ultimately create a more diverse offensive playbook.
3. The NFL’s Changing Offensive Trends:
   While running backs are no longer always viewed as the centerpiece of offenses, they remain an integral part of a team’s success. Teams that can operate with a dual-threat offense—capable of both running and passing—are often more difficult to stop. The Vikings’ offense can benefit from a versatile running back who can be used in multiple facets of the game, including as a runner, pass-catcher, and blocking back. The NFL’s increasing emphasis on position flexibility makes a multi-dimensional running back even more valuable.
4. A Deep Running Back Class:
   The 2025 draft class is stacked with talent at the running back position, with several prospects standing out as potential future stars. This provides the Vikings with an opportunity to select a top-tier talent in Round 1 without reaching or sacrificing other needs. Whether the team is looking for a traditional bruiser or a more versatile dual-threat weapon, the talent in this class provides a perfect match for the Vikings’ needs.

Top Running Back Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

While the 2025 draft class has not fully materialized yet, there are several running backs who are expected to be highly sought after. Here are a few names that could be in play for the Vikings in Round 1.

1. Zachary “Zay” Walker – University of Georgia

Zachary Walker is expected to be one of the top running backs taken in the 2025 draft. Walker is a versatile and explosive athlete who has been compared to current NFL stars like Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. At 6’2” and 230 pounds, Walker combines elite size with exceptional speed and power, making him a tough player to stop once he gets to the second level. His vision and ability to break tackles will fit perfectly in the Vikings’ system, which requires a physical back capable of pounding through defensive lines and securing tough yards in critical situations.

Walker’s blend of size, strength, and balance allows him to create opportunities for explosive plays, whether running up the middle or bouncing the ball to the outside. Additionally, he has demonstrated impressive ball-handling and durability, making him an ideal candidate for a workhorse role. His skills in short-yardage situations would be particularly useful for the Vikings, as they could rely on him to close out games and dominate in goal-line scenarios.

2. Jamarcus Bennett – University of Alabama

Jamarcus Bennett is another name likely to make waves in the 2025 draft cycle. Bennett is known for his exceptional burst, agility, and impressive speed, making him one of the most electrifying running backs in college football. He stands at 6’0” and weighs around 215 pounds, and his ability to cut on a dime and change direction makes him a nightmare for defenses. His quickness and acceleration allow him to turn short runs into big plays, making him an ideal fit for an offense that thrives on play-action and deep passes.

What sets Bennett apart from other top running back prospects is his natural ability as a pass-catcher. He’s shown the capability to line up in the slot or run routes out of the backfield, making him an ideal dual-threat player. The Vikings’ offense, with its dynamic passing game and play-action-heavy approach, could greatly benefit from a running back who can be a reliable safety valve for Kirk Cousins when the pocket breaks down.

Bennett’s physical traits are complemented by his high football IQ and excellent vision. He knows how to read blocks and has shown the ability to hit the hole quickly, making him a dangerous player between the tackles. As a potential first-round pick, Bennett would immediately upgrade the Vikings’ running game and provide added flexibility to their offense.

3. Javon Thomas – University of Ohio State

Javon Thomas is another intriguing option in the 2025 draft class, boasting a unique blend of size, speed, and vision. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, Thomas possesses the physicality to grind out tough yards while also showing enough burst to be a home-run threat. His performances for Ohio State have been nothing short of spectacular, with Thomas becoming a central piece of their offense.

What makes Thomas stand out is his ability to excel both as a traditional running back and in the passing game. He’s been used as a receiving back in college, with impressive hands and route-running abilities. In addition to his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, Thomas is adept at running screens and creating mismatches in the open field. His ability to contribute in multiple areas would complement the Vikings’ offensive strategy, adding a dynamic element to their attack.

Thomas is also a hard-nosed runner who isn’t afraid of contact and has a knack for gaining yards after contact. His vision and decisiveness in the open field make him a dangerous weapon that could help open up the Vikings’ offense.

4. Tyree Simmons – University of Texas

Tyree Simmons has been a revelation at the University of Texas, and many experts believe he will be one of the most talked-about running backs in the 2025 draft. A versatile player with elite speed and the ability to break away from defenders, Simmons has proven he can contribute in both the run and pass game. Standing at 6’1” and 210 pounds, he’s the perfect mix of size and speed, allowing him to make defenders miss in the open field while still being able to grind out tough yardage in between the tackles.

Simmons’ ability to catch passes makes him an ideal weapon for an offense that relies on a balance of run and pass options. The Vikings, who are known for utilizing their running backs in the passing game, could easily plug Simmons into their scheme, where his athleticism would be put to great use. His work ethic and determination also make him a leader on and off the field, and his combination of speed, elusiveness, and football intelligence would make him an instant contributor for the Vikings.

What the Vikings Would Gain from a Round 1 Running Back Selection

The Vikings are in a unique position to reshape their offense. By selecting a dynamic running back in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, they would gain a number of critical advantages:

1. Enhanced Offensive Balance:
   A talented running back would give the Vikings an added dimension to their offense, allowing them to establish a more balanced attack. By combining a strong ground game with Kirk Cousins’ ability to pass the ball to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, the Vikings would be able to keep defenses on their toes and create more explosive opportunities.
2. Complimenting the Passing Game:
   The Vikings’ passing game is already one of the league’s best, but with the addition of a true dual-threat running back, they would become even more dangerous. A back who can catch passes out of the backfield and contribute to screen plays would make Cousins’ play-action opportunities even more lethal, giving Jefferson and other receivers more space to operate downfield.
3. Long-Term Success:
   A future at running back could bring stability to the position for years to come. With the right selection, the Vikings would have a young, cost-controlled back who could develop into a foundational piece of the offense. This could allow the team to maximize its resources elsewhere, such as building a stronger defense or adding talent to their offensive line.
4. Position Flexibility:
   A modern NFL offense thrives on position versatility. A running back who can contribute in multiple facets of the game—not only as a traditional runner but also as a pass-catcher and blocker—would give head coach Kevin O’Connell more flexibility in his play-calling. The Vikings could utilize more creative schemes, such as using the running back as a decoy or mismatch weapon.