The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield has actual, real-life competition. We haven’t seen much of that since Dalvin Cook arrived in 2017 but with Cook released the door is open for someone to emerge and make noise at running back. Of course, everyone isn’t beginning camp at the same starting point in the race though. Let’s have a look at the biggest questions facing the backfield.
Is Alexander Mattison the undisputed three-down back?
There have been spurts throughout Mattison’s four-year career as Cook’s backup in which he was called upon to carry the entire load of carries/catches/blocks as a three-down back and he largely succeeded. Is that how they view him going into 2023? The former Boise State star is known as a LeRoy Hoard type, slamming and carrying defenders to gain his yardage rather than escaping them with sheer quickness and speed.
Will that translate well enough for him to get 50 snaps per game while the other running backs watch from the sideline, as was the case during the Cook era? Or do the Vikings view him as the lead runner in a true rotation in which they will mix in other skillsets depending on the situation and opponent? Practice reps might not tell the entire story but we can get a sense for which other RBs are making themselves heard over the summer months. If it’s all Mattison all the time, then he’s a true Cook replacement. If we see lots of Chandler and Nwangwu, then the Vikings might have themselves a versatile backfield.
Can Ty Chandler build on what he started in preseason last year?
The fifth-round pick from North Carolina only carried the ball 15 times in preseason last year but he made a heck of an impression, gaining 113 yards behind four 10-plus yard carries. His 4.38 40-yard dash speed and quickness were on display in August but he barely saw the football during the regular season, appearing in only three games and mostly on special teams. With a year in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, another big camp and preseason could put Chandler in the discussion as a rotational back. In order to get his hands on some regular season carries, however, he will need to outplay Kene Nwangwu…
Will Kene Nwangwu’s kick returning translate to the backfield?
Over the first two years of his career, Nwangwu has become one of the best kick returners in the NFL, bringing three to the house already in his young career. Yet, like Cordarrelle Patterson before him, that explosiveness hasn’t been enough to convince the coaching staff to get him in the offensive mix. This year could be his shot. The former track star has a case for being one of the fastest players in the entire NFL, which should interest O’Connell in finding ways to put the ball in his hands. However, he will need to be trusted in all situations before that can happen. Can he pass block? Catch passes out of the backfield? Hit the right holes? Speed doesn’t mean much toward winning a regular role if the details aren’t there. That will make all the difference because his raw talent is through the roof.
Can DeWayne McBride make a push for playing time?
As of July 2023, McBride’s college highlight reel no longer matters. Now he has to show that he can break tackles like a madman against NFL competition. Unlike the other two runners, he isn’t just fighting for a spot in the rotation, he’s fighting for a spot in general. As a seventh-rounder, a position on the 53 is far from guaranteed. He will need to pick up enough of the offense to be trusted right away and show in preseason games that an increase in competition won’t be too much for his unorthodox running style.
Will the Vikings need to bring anyone else into camp?
There is a chance that the Vikings don’t love what they see from the running back group and consider looking elsewhere. Beyond the obvious free agents like Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt, there are a number of other proven players available including Leonard Fournette, Marlon Mack, Kenyan Drake and former Ram Malcolm Brown. Judging by the fact they didn’t bring anyone else in, the Vikings seem comfortable with letting the unproven players battle it out. Will they still be OK with that a few weeks into camp? We’ll see.
