The Minnesota Vikings need another running back.
They never established a consistent running game in 2024, finishing 19th in total rushing yards. It doesn’t help that Aaron Jones is 30, while Ty Chandler has been inconsistent throughout his time with in Minnesota.
The Vikings addressed their running back depth by trading for Jordan Mason, but it doesn’t seem to be a long-term fix. That leaves the draft as the most logical place for the Vikings to address this issue. Luckily for the Vikings, this is one of the deepest running back classes we have seen in several years.
Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter is an underrated running back prospect projected to be drafted on Day 3, and he fits Kevin O’Connell’s offense perfectly.
Hunter was a workhouse at Auburn. In four years, he totaled 3,371 rushing yards with 25 rushing touchdowns and posted 558 receiving yards with four touchdowns. He put up those numbers while only being the primary starter for two years.
He’s an absolute bruiser of a back. Hunter is tough to take down, thriving at yards after contact. Hunter is so sturdy that he makes defenders look like they have bad tackling form.
Last year, Hunter averaged a staggering 4.1 yards after contact against SEC defenders on a subpar Auburn team, where he was the focal point.
That means that teams would often focus on Hunter. Despite this, Hunter could bust off a 10-plus yard run 18.9% of the time.
Hunter is one of the draft’s most natural “ball-carriers.” His movements are fluid and efficient when the ball is in his hands.
His ability to brush off tacklers also complements his patience. Having both of these traits in one package is rare. Hunter will wait for holes to open up, and then his explosiveness will take him from there. He’s a rare complete player who will drop in the draft.
Hunter has a penchant for hurdling players, which will make him a fan favorite. Hunter somehow finds a way to do this a few times per season, and it always makes for a highlight-reel play. Check out this hurdle from his freshman season that illustrates Hunter’s athleticism and aesthetic appeal.
Hunter simply loves to hurdle, and he’s pretty effective at dodging defenders.
Hunter often gets criticized for his pass-catching ability, which seems fair. His pass-catching ability doesn’t have the same flow as his running ability. Though he occasionally drops the ball, he was ultimately an effective pass catcher in college.
Catching the ball out of the backfield is critical to O’Connell’s offense. With NFL coaching, especially from KOC, this shouldn’t be an issue at the next level.
Hunter loves football. Despite being the starting running back for Auburn, he insisted on playing on special teams. The coaching staff couldn’t keep him off the field.
He works as hard as any other player and is a football guy to his core. He’s a perfect fit for O’Connell’s culture.
Hunter will quickly become a fan favorite due to his hurdling abilities, personality, and off-the-field activities. It’s always entertaining when NFL players have passions outside of football, and Hunter loves the outdoors — to hunt, fish, and ride horses.
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In addition to being among the hardest workers out there, Hunter will endear himself to the fandom and coaching staff. Auburn’s running schemes were very similar to Minnesota’s running-game style. Hunter should adapt quickly because of the familiarity and work ethic.
The Vikings should seriously consider drafting Hunter if they intend to bolster the running back room. To get a player with so much to offer in the later rounds makes him a steal that the Vikings can’t pass up.
