Vikings Rookie Could Hold the Key to Kevin O’Connell’s Future

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images When the NFL draft kicked off on April 23rd, most onlookers expected the Minnesota Vikings to leave the event with a running back somewhat early. Instead, the club waited until Round 6 to select Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne — and that man may suddenly hold the key to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s job security. The Vikings need more balance, and Claiborne may be the young back who finally forces it.

O’Connell isn’t necessarily on the hot seat , but with a losing or playoffs-less season, his departure cannot be ruled out. To have more success than last year, O’Connell absolutely needs a competent rushing offense. Minnesota’s Running Game Needs a New Spark Do you think an efficient ground game would unlock Minnesota’s offense?

Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne fields questions from reporters during a media availability session, with Jul 23, 2025 positioned at Hilton Charlotte Uptown as part of ACC Media Days, where the standout rusher discusses team expectations, personal development, and the upcoming college football season in a high-visibility preseason setting. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Claiborne as the Choice for the Young RB The Vikings drafted Claiborne in Round 6, and while he could, in theory, turn into the next big thing, tailbacks drafted that late don’t often pan out. These are RBs drafted from Round 6 or 7 in the last 20 years who had 1,000+ yards from scrimmage in a single season: — Peyton Hillis — Chris Carson — Alfred Morris — Derrick Ward — Justin Forsett — Isiah Pacheco — Elijah Mitchell — Spencer Ware — Chester Taylor — Mike Anderson — Andre Ellington — Latavius Murray — Ahmad Bradshaw — Rashaad Jennings That’s fourteen guys of 145 drafted since 2005.

Or 9. 6%. Claiborne must beat the odds and thread the needle.