Minnesota Vikings rookie operating again Demond Claiborne holds a soccer in the course of the first day of OTAs at TCO Efficiency Middle because the crew begins offseason work in Eagan. On Could 26, 2026, Claiborne moved by way of early apply reps whereas attempting to ascertain his function in Kevin O’Connell’s offense earlier than coaching camp later that summer season. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
Must you draft Minnesota Vikings operating again Demond Claiborne in redraft fantasy soccer leagues? In all probability not. Must you bear in mind his title and definitely add him to your Dynasty Fantasy squad? Indubitably.
Claiborne profiles because the Vikings’ RB3 this season, and with a bit of luck, he’ll safe significant touches by season’s finish.
Claiborne’s Pace Creates a Path to Early Touches
Minnesota Vikings rookie operating again Demond Claiborne works by way of drills throughout rookie minicamp at TCO Efficiency Middle after becoming a member of the crew as a sixth-round decide. In Could 2026, Claiborne started adjusting to Minnesota’s offense throughout his first NFL offseason following a productive Wake Forest profession constructed on burst, imaginative and prescient, and flexibility in a number of roles. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
The ‘Sharp Football Analysis’ Skinny on Claiborne
Claiborne checked in at “Tier 12” of Wealthy Hribar’s fantasy operating again tiers this week, sharing house with gamers like Kaytron Allen (Washington Commanders) and Braelon Allen (New York Jets).
Hribar wrote, “Demond Claiborne needs some rounding out, but he lands in a Minnesota backfield that could have some doors open. Aaron Jones will be 31 this season, and Jordan Mason has been a rushing-only back to date.”
“Claiborne is a slasher who can turn in splash plays with his speed. 42.5% of his rushing yards came on runs of 15 or more yards, the fifth-highest rate in this class. This also shows up in the return game. Claiborne only trailed Nicholas Singleton and Jadarian Price in career kickoff return yardage in this class, averaging 26.3 yards per kick return with 2 career touchdowns on special teams.”
Vikings followers waited patiently all offseason for a brand new operating again. In the long run, Claiborne was Minnesota’s selection.
“That speed component of his game was reinforced by a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the third-fastest time at his position in Indianapolis,” Hribar continued.
“That speed will get him on the field. Claiborne has to be fast because at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds, his frame likely played a role in the overall pounding he could take, limiting his overall touches and impacting all of the bumps and bruises he left games with.”
Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs headlined Hribar’s first tier in 2026.
The Growth-or-Bust Potential Is Important
Claiborne was drafted in Spherical 6. These are the halfbacks picked in that spherical since 2021:
Khalil Herbert
Elijah Mitchell
Chris Rodriguez
Kimani Vidal
Ollie Gordon
Chris Evans
Devin Neal
Gary Brightwell
Tyler Badie
Kevin Harris
Keontay Ingram
Jawhar Jordan
Larry Rountree
Deuce Vaughn
Scott Matlock
Tahi Brooks
Trestan Ebner
Jase McClellan
Zach Evans
Dylan Laube
Kalel Mullings
It’s not a glowing pecking order, so if Claiborne beats the percentages, he’ll growth and surge to the highest of the record of current Spherical 6 RB hopefuls.
The Key Frank Smith Caveat
Frank Smith, now in Minnesota because the assistant head coach, brings an thrilling title to the desk along with his monitor file: De’Von Achane.
For the previous 4 seasons, Smith served as Mike McDaniel’s offensive coordinator in Miami. Throughout that point, Achane, a 2023 NFL draftee, blossomed into one of many league’s most harmful operating backs. Whereas his velocity was plain, Miami’s teaching workers below Smith really maximized his impression on video games.
That’s the place Claiborne enters the image. Achane, at 5-foot-9 and 185 kilos, recorded a blazing 4.32-second forty-yard sprint. Claiborne, at 5-foot-10 and 195 kilos, ran a 4.37. Whereas not similar, their similarities are sufficient to generate pleasure amongst Vikings followers.
Miami Dolphins operating again De’Von Achane takes half in apply at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano because the crew prepares for a world matchup in Madrid. On Nov. 14, 2025, Achane moved by way of the session whereas Miami sharpened its offensive plan and adjusted to the abroad setting earlier than sport day in Spain. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.
This offseason, the Vikings retained Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores, however adjustments occurred decrease on the teaching workers. Smith was one of many extra intriguing new additions. Now, with one other quick, smaller operating again able to massive performs, optimistic Vikings followers are connecting the dots. They envision Smith replicating his success with Achane, this time with Claiborne in Minneapolis. It might occur.
In all probability an Audition for 2027
Jones and Mason will assuredly be the Vikings’ most important operating backs in 2026, however past that, the outlook is cloudy. Jones is previous, and the Vikings practically launched him this offseason, save for an accepted paycut. Mason is 27, however 2026 is the ultimate yr of his contract.
If you happen to peeked right into a crystal ball, there’s an inexpensive likelihood neither man will play for the 2027 Vikings.
That’s the place Claiborne’s trajectory will get fascinating. If he has the pop and imaginative and prescient to imitate Achane, properly, the crew is craving for an RB1 of the long run. Claiborne, for positive, has the youth and velocity for the project. It’s simply unclear if he has the imaginative and prescient and talent to interrupt tackles like different RB1s.
Wake Forest operating again Demond Claiborne tries to flee Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown and defensive deal with Tre Williams throughout second-half motion in Winston-Salem. On Oct. 12, 2024, Claiborne fought by way of site visitors at Allegacy Federal Credit score Union Stadium whereas showcasing the burst and elusiveness that later helped form his NFL draft profile. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Pictures.
Claiborne is below contract for the following 4 years. The timing and scenario are ripe for a breakout on an RB1-needy crew if he has the backbone for it.
In any other case, the Vikings will in all probability defer to the 2027 NFL Draft, which isn’t the worst choice, as the category is already projected to function heavy-hitting rookie RBs.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
