Dichotomy at the running back position has proven essential in the ebbs and flows of today’s average NFL offense. Gone are the days when Adrian Peterson gets 30 or more carries a game. Anomalies like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry still benefit from Kenneth Gainwell and Justice Hill spelling them.
Hell, even Chester Taylor was ahead of his time.
But the split between the A and B sides of the running game operation no longer has to be as black and white. These days, running backs coming out of college can adapt to passing downs without compromising a downhill running style. The learning curve for running backs is not steep, and it is possible to immediately become an impact player.
Recent examples include Tyrone Tracy Jr., Ray Davis, and Bucky Irving. The upcoming NFL Draft features a handful of running back prospects who seem poised to be pro-ready because of their playing style. Because of this, the Minnesota Vikings can explore their version of dichotomy at the position: the rookie-and-veteran combo at one position.
A stigma has been attached to running backs once they reach age 30. However, Aaron Jones, 30, delivered over 1,500 all-purpose yards in his first season with the Vikings. Through his team-first attitude and work ethic, which the coaching staff and teammates often praise him for, Jones can be productive in his 30s. Granted, he would have liked to see the end zone more often, but that’s where this draft class could help.
With Minnesota’s limited draft capital this year, picking a running back would be a telltale sign of going all-in on offensive firepower. Dylan Sampson, Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, and Ashton Jeanty are among this year’s best available running backs.
A backfield duo that complements one another should help the overall rhythm of the offense. You don’t want a sluggish, heavy-footed back to come in after the red-zone offense sets up a big play. The Vikings had issues with their outside zone scheme this year while finding more success running inside zone with a duo lineman. Someone who can actively attack the edge and shift upfield could be a considerable addition to a team that looks to run a lot of their offense from the gun.
Ashton Jeanty had one of the most impressive seasons ever recorded in college football history. His foot in the ground on zone schemes is enticing. It looks as pro-ready as ever, considering he has the intangibles of playing the position down. With an ability to make plays as a receiver, Jeanty spelling Jones, or vice versa, is an exciting scenario for Vikings fans. However, it would require the front office to get aggressive.
Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is another enticing option when considering the 6’0″, 225 lb. option in a tandem operation. Johnson is a true north-and-south runner who can help lead the way in setting up the play action. Keeping defenses honest in an era where teams frequently use two deep safeties against Justin Jefferson could bode well for a Vikings offense with the means to take the top off a defense, even without one of the league’s best rushing attacks.
Having a veteran mentor should help any rookie. The idea sparks a sense of security in knowing the position’s future while reaping the benefits of a veteran like Jones still playing some of his best ball. If the Vikings want to be aggressive in the future of the offense while restructuring the interior line, it won’t hurt to invest in someone running behind that line.
Aaron Jones loves Minnesota, and Minnesota loves Aaron Jones. The eight-year veteran quickly became a fan favorite among Vikings faithful. Jones even mentioned that he would like to end his career in Minnesota. When a good thing gets going, there’s no need to try and start over. Jones still has good football ahead of him, and the team can lighten his workload while trying to pair him with a new running mate.
It can be challenging to add running backs in free agency. Players like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are rarely available. Good teams that develop players can find impact backs late in the draft.
Minnesota’s offense would benefit from taking a chance on a rookie running back.
