The Minnesota Vikings are looking to infuse some life into their rushing attack in the 2026 season.
Since Kevin O’Connell became head coach in 2022, Minnesota’s never had an above-average rushing attack. The addition of Frank Smith from the Miami Dolphins signifies a commitment to fix that. Additionally, the Vikings re-upped on Aaron Jones and drafted Demond Claiborne in the 6th round of the draft.
It is currently assumed that Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will be the lead-duo again for the Vikings in 2026. However, Claiborne could look to challenge that.
Vikings’ Get Major Message on Demond Claiborne
GettyRALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 25: Demond Claiborne #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons smiles before the first half prior to the game against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Garrett Burroughs of Vikings Wire recently communicated a big-time message for the rookie runningback.
“My RB3 heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, fell to the sixth round but has a real chance to steal snaps early. He brings immediate juice to this offense, and his receiving skills out of the backfield could see him hit the field on third downs.
He could see return work early, garnering favor with the coaching staff, but I would not be shocked if he was getting ample touches come November.”
The Vikings getting notable snaps from Claiborne as early as November would be huge. Of course, it’s bound to happen if injuries occur. However, if he organically gets touches, then the Vikings’ rushing offense could be in business.
Demond Claiborne Could ‘Hold the Key’ for Kevin O’Connell
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 19, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 21-20. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Vikings Territory‘s Dustin Baker recently made the case that the Claiborne pick could be the “key” for Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
“Needing more playcalling balance is precisely why a rookie like Claiborne brings so much intrigue. Vikings fans have never seen an O’Connell-led offense emphasize the ground game. It’s always ancillary. Therefore, there’s no way to know how high the offense could climb if O’Connell merely embraced running the rock at a Top 10 clip.
It could be what’s missing. In that vein, if Claiborne turns into “the next De’Von Achane” — he has the same height and weight, similar speed, and new Vikings assistant coach Frank Smith offensively coordinated Achane in Miami for three years — the Vikings’ offense could turn into a true juggernaut.”
We are heading into year 5 of the Kevin O’Connell experiment. So far, it has netted the Vikings zero playoff wins. A large reason for that is the lack of rushing offense, meaning that Minnesota can’t control the game and completely impose their will on opposing defenses.
If Claiborne hits, and the acquisition of Frank Smith is any indication, the rushing attack in Minnesota could be finally coming together, which could extend O’Connell’s time as leader of the operation.
If Claiborne doesn’t hit, the running game doesn’t improve, and in turn, Minnesota still can’t impose their will on other teams in January, Kevin O’Connell very well could be out of a head coaching job.
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