Today is the fourth day of two weeks of Minnesota Vikings coverage leading up to the April 26 beginning of the NFL draft.
April 12: Five best first-rounders in the past 25 years
April 13: Five worst first-rounders in the past 25 years
April 14: Quarterbacks position preview
Today: Running backs/fullbacks position preview
April 16: Offensive tackles position preview
April 17: Guards/centers position preview
April 18: Tight ends position preview
April 19: Wide receivers position preview
April 20: Defensive linemen position preview
April 21: Linebackers position preview
April 22: Cornerbacks position preview
April 23: Safeties position preview
April 24: Rick Spielman's draft strategy
April 25: Forecasting the first-round pick
TODAY'S POSITION: RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS
Importance (1-to-10 scale): 2
On the roster
Running back would seemingly be a set position for the Minnesota Vikings, but with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart both sustaining knee injuries at the end of last season there are some questions. Peterson underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament and hopes to be ready by Week 1 of the regular season. He started running two weeks ago, matching the timetable established after the surgery. If Peterson isn't ready — or isn't his usual explosive self — Gerhart proved he was worthy of a full-time role last season when Peterson was out of the lineup. Gerhart didn't need surgery and should be ready for offseason workouts. The two are a good combination for one of the last teams in the NFL that emphasize the running game. Caleb King and Jordan Todman will return to compete for depth positions.
Minnesota is also one of the few teams to employ a fullback. Ryan D'Imperio saw his first action late last season. The Vikings have Matt Asiata and signed Jerome Felton this offseason. Lex Hilliard, another recent signee, can play running back or fullback.
Last five running backs drafted
2010--Toby Gerhart, Stanford: second round (51st overall) — still with the Vikings
2007--Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma: first round (seventh overall) — still with the Vikings
2005--Ciatrick Fason, Florida: fourth round (112th overall)—released, August 2007, out of the NFL
2004--Mewelde Moore, Tulane: fourth round (119th overall)—signed with Pittsburgh Steelers, March 2008
2003--Onterrio Smith, Oregon: fourth round (105th overall) — released, April 2006, out of the NFL
Philosophy at the position
When you have Adrian Peterson, you're offense tends to skew toward the running game. Minnesota will certainly stick with the philosophy, assuming Peterson's return to health, because it signed him to a $100 million contract before last season. That contract, the biggest ever given to a running back, demonstrates Minnesota's commitment to the running game. Gerhart is a capable backup and able to grind out yards as well. If there is one aspect that could change, it's the addition of a true third-down, pass-catching back – a role the Vikings have seemed reticent to create since drafting Peterson. Lorenzo Booker never developed into that player and was not retained in free agency.
Day 1 name to remember (Round 1)
Trent Richardson, junior, Alabama (5-11, 225). Workhorse running backs have been devalued to an extent in the NFL because of the success of passing games, but interestingly many believe Richardson is the best back to come out of college since Peterson. The Vikings won't be taking a running back in Round 1, especially with the money and high picks used on Peterson and Gerhart, but if another team sees Richardson as the next Peterson, maybe it will make the move up to get the complete back. Richards on has speed, is strong and is considered well above any other running backs in this draft. Cleveland, drafting No. 4 after Minnesota, could be a landing spot for Richardson. If another team wants him, the Vikings at No. 3 might be the necessary trading partner.
Day 2 name to remember (Rounds 2-3)
LaMichael James, junior, Oregon (5-8, 190). There could be several potential speedy, third-down type backs available in the later rounds. James has durability and character concerns but is also quick and has been productive when on the field. Some draft experts have likened James to Jahvid Best, whom the Vikings were interested in before he was snapped up in the 2010 draft by the Detroit Lions. James is slight, but he ran a 4.45 40 at the Combine. He had more than 1,800 yards last season at Oregon, averaging 7.3 yards per carry in the Ducks' spread attack. Working in the spread is similar to the responsibilities he would have as a third-down back in the NFL. Despite the spread offense, he caught only 17 passes in each of his three seasons at Oregon.
Day 3 name to remember (Rounds 4-7)
Isaiah Pead, senior, Cincinnati (5-9 7/8, 193). Pead is another undersized, speedy back. But he has far more experience catching the ball than James. Pead had 87 receptions while playing all four years at Cincinnati. He ran a 4.47 40 at the Combine, can go the distance and also is elusive in the open field. Pead's name is starting to gain some buzz as the draft approaches. Unfortunately, also like James, Pead has some character concerns. He did stand out during Senior Bowl week, and the Vikings' staff would have gotten a good look at him while coaching him on the North team.
FOXSports.com's draft expert Taylor Jones says:
"It's not one of the positions (Minnesota's) probably going to be focusing on, but if they do see some value on a player that could give them a change of pace, maybe a little bit more dynamic as a pass-catcher, they may pull the trigger."
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