Ever since Kevin O’Connell became head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, they’ve had issues running the ball.
While every year has had fantastic passing offenses outside of 2025, the rushing attack has lagged severely behind. At its best in the O’Connell era, the Vikings’ rushing offense has been average. At it’s, it’s been bottom of the barrel.
Minnesota shockingly re-upped on the services of Aaron Jones for one more year. Jones was widely considered to be a top cut candidate for the Vikings’ cap crunch this offseason. Their runningback room will look mostly the same, as Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are likely to be the top two backs.
Minnesota did make a compelling acquisition during the 2026 NFL Draft, however. In the 6th round, they selected Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne. This maneuver may be what keeps to train chugging for Kevin O’Connell in the Twin Cities.
Demond Claiborne Could ‘Hold the Key’ For Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell
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)
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.
J.J. McCarthy Could Have ‘Secret Weapon’ After Minnesota 2026 NFL Draft Maneuver
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Vikings drafted former Michigan FB/TE Max Bredeson at pick 159 in the draft in April. Bredesen played at Michigan with J.J. McCarthy from 2021 to 2023. Bredeson, a former QB in high school, even threw with the same high school QB coach as J.J. McCarthy before going to Michigan where he transitioned to TE.
Jacob Singer of SB Nation pointed out how this could be beneficial for McCarthy in his pro career.
“It’s a challenging situation for a young quarterback still finding his footing, but having a dependable and reliable friend like Bredeson matters in so many ways.
Familiarity breeds confidence, and for a quarterback who has faced scrutiny and setbacks, having a trusted voice and familiar presence in the locker room is genuinely valuable.
McCarthy knows how Bredeson works, how he communicates and what he demands of himself. That shared standard, the kind Bredeson built over years of proving doubters wrong, can be contagious.”
The familiarity with Bredeson could mean good things for McCarthy’s development. Not only does it give McCarthy familiarity, it’s another voice in the room for the kid.
As Singer says, having Bredeson around could certainly help McCarthy stay on the right mental track.
Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell’s Fate May Rest on Rookie’s Shoulders