Johnson, a Twin Cities native who has already met with Minnesota multiple times, is projected as a mid-round pick after a standout 2025 season: 1,451 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, plus 370 receiving yards and three receiving TDs. He told Minnesota, “If y’all take a chance on me, it’s gonna be the best thing that they ever did. But if y’all don’t, you gotta see me for 10 years.” His production and versatility have drawn considerable league interest.
The Vikings’ backfield needs a spark of explosiveness. Aaron Jones is 31 years old, and Jordan Mason has shown limitations as a power back, creating a clear opening for a young, dynamic contributor to step in and contribute immediately.
Minnesota owns four selections in the top-100, giving them flexibility to target Johnson around mid-rounds. The team has done extensive homework on the position and is weighing multiple options, not just Johnson, as they assemble a plan for the future backfield.
In addition to Johnson, Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne is another back on the Vikings’ radar. ESPN’s Jordan Reid has called Claiborne one of the top prospects at running back and compared him to Aaron Jones in style. The Vikings could choose either player early in the process or address the position at another spot, depending on how the draft unfolds, with Johnson’s hometown appeal standing out as a potential factor if he lands in Minnesota.
