Importance (1-to-10 scale): 7
On the roster
Does anyone know the importance level for this position right now? Adrian Peterson is still a member of the Vikings but is on the commissioner's exempt list. He wasn't reinstated Wednesday, which was the earliest date commissioner Roger Goodell said he'd consider a return for Peterson.
When/if Peterson goes back on the active roster there is no guarantee he stays there. Peterson -- at least Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra -- has made it clear an exit is desired. Minnesota won't release Peterson but could trade him if it hears an offer it likes between now and the draft. Or the Vikings could force Peterson to show up and play for the $13 million he's owed in base salary and bonuses.
If Peterson sits out -- unlikely at 30 years old and already missing all but one game last year -- Minnesota wouldn't have to pay him anyway. The team is in the position of power with its all-time leading rusher. Yet, a solution doesn't appear imminent.
Minnesota has put itself in a position where it doesn't have to rely on Peterson, either.
Jerick McKinnon made several big plays in his rookie season last year, and received the bulk of the carries when he took over midseason. The only question about McKinnon is his ability to hold up against the pounding. McKinnon is 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds, and he missed the season's final five games because of a lower back injury. He ran for 538 yards on just 113 carries, a 4.8-yard average.
The Vikings also brought back Matt Asiata, a power runner, to complement McKinnon. Asiata does his best work in the red zone with nine rushing touchdowns last year. Preseason sensation Joe Banyard is also on the roster.
Minnesota also signed former Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris in free agency. Harris hasn't done much the past two seasons, but showed well in a brief stint in 2012.
A change is certain at fullback. Jerome Felton optioned out of the final year of his deal and signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent. Zach Line, Felton's backup last season, will get his chance to be the top fullback.
Last five running backs/fullbacks drafted
Philosophy at the position
Peterson's status will dictate Minnesota's approach and philosophy heading into the draft. If Peterson isn't around, suddenly the Vikings could be in the market for a lead back depending on their feelings of McKinnon. This is the perfect draft to find another back. The position is deep, running all the way to the third day of the draft with quality options.
If Peterson returns to play for Minnesota, the team could still look to add a prospect, or eventual Peterson replacement, on the third day. In such a strong draft for running backs, it might behoove the Vikings to think long term at the position anyway. After all, Peterson is 30, the magic age when running back production tails off anyway. Judging Peterson against most backs is often a mistake, but Minnesota can prepare itself with a replacement.
Peterson has three years remaining on his contract but isn't owed any guaranteed money. Peterson also wouldn't count as dead money against the Vikings' salary cap if he is released in 2016.
Day 1 name to remember (Round 1)
Todd Gurley, junior, Georgia (6-foot-1, 222 pounds): Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is the big name after being the Heisman Trophy runner-up and a record-setting season. Gurley might just be the best of the bunch, though. While many expect Gordon to be the first back selected -- and likely snapping the streak of backs not going in the first round -- Gurley could hear his name called first if teams are pleased with the condition of his knee.
Medical concerns are likely the only thing keeping Gurley from being the no-doubt top running back in the draft. A torn anterior cruciate ligament cut short his 2014 season. He refused to go through the complete medical testing at the combine, instead deciding to go through a medical re-check in April when his knee is stronger.
Gordon is an explosive player. Gurley is bigger and stronger, and can make his own big plays. Gurley, if healthy, is more of a true workhorse NFL running back. He's quick and runs with power, and breaks tackles. He's more of a one-cut-and-go running back and is able to work inside the tackles.
Day 2 name to remember (Rounds 2-3)
Jay Ajayi, redshirt junior, Boise State (6-0, 221): As the draft approaches, most analysts expect Gordon and Gurley to be drafted in the first round. The position is so deep, several backs could receive phone calls from NFL teams on Day 2. Ajayi could be the prize of the second round.
Ajayi has good size and speed. He's an accomplished receiver and could be the top all-around back in the draft. Ajayi is the only player in FBS history to have 1,800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. Ajayi is a physical runner but is also considered to have very good feet.
Ajayi has the production but also has taken a big workload. He had 596 carries and 77 receptions the past two seasons combined.
Day 3 name to remember (Rounds 4-7)
David Cobb, senior, Minnesota (5-11, 229): Right in Minnesota's backyard is one of the players demonstrating the depth at the position. Cobb has been very productive for the Gophers with 2,828 yards and 20 touchdowns the past two seasons.
Cobb is a shorter back but is strong and powerful. He's a good runner between the tackles and gets yards after contact while breaking tackles. Cobb had his share of big plays but isn't considered a breakaway-type back.
Cobb doesn't have great speed and he was clocked at 4.81 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine and suffered a leg injury during the run. The injury kept him from performing at Minnesota's Pro Day, and several teams returned to the school recently as Cobb held his own personal Pro Day after recovering from injury.
Like several backs in this class, Cobb could be a Day 3 pick that turns into a future starter, or at least a back to share the workload in today's NFL.
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