Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings
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Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings seem likely to be entering a new era in 2026 with quarterback Kyler Murray poised to take over as the team’s starter.
After a one-year experience with J.J. McCarty as the starter, the Vikings made the decision to bring in Murray. It’s highly possible that McCarthy has played his final snap in Minnesota, as the team also decided to bring back Carson Wentz in free agency.
With that being said, the Vikings will need to give Murray as much support as possible. At running back, they will have Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason leading the charge.
Minnesota certainly doesn’t “need” to target another running back. However, that is exactly what a new prediction has suggested that they do in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Minnesota Vikings Predicted to Land Long-Term Running Back
Pro Football Network’s T.J. Randall has released a new seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft. In that mock draft, he had the Vikings using a third-round pick on a new running back.
Randall has predicted that Minnesota will take Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the No. 82 overall pick.
“Aaron Jones is in his 30s, and Jadarian Price’s remaining availability generates value,” Randall wrote. “Again, tough to pass on that.”
Jones was expected to be released by the Vikings this offseason. Thankfully, the two sides were able to work out a restructured contract to keep him in town.
Last season, the 31-year-old back carried the football 132 times for 548 yards and two scores, while also catching 28 passes for 199 yards and another touchdown. Mason, his backup, racked up 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries.
What Would Jadarian Price Bring to the Vikings’ Offense?
During the 2025 college football season with the Fighting Irish, Price was overshadowed by Jeremiyah Love. However, he was able to record 674 yards and 11 touchdowns on 113 carries, averaging six yards per attempt.
Bleacher Report has suggested an unflattering comparison for Price. They think Sony Michel is a potential comparison for the Notre Dame standout.
Pro Football Focus revealed this overview about what Price brings to the gridiron.
“Price has the look, strength and explosiveness of an NFL back. His vision and anticipation for space can be hot and cold behind man-blocking concepts between the tackles, but in a zone-blocking scheme, he can be an effective part of a two-man backfield.”
At the end of the day, Price could turn into a long-term piece of the Vikings’ backfield. He may never develop into being a superstar, but he has a good chance of being a solid piece of the Minnesota offense for years to come if the franchise selects him.