Demond Claiborne Could Have a Bigger Vikings Role Than Expected as His Electric Camp Continues

The sky's the limit for Minnesota's rookie RB.

Rookie RB Demond Claiborne might force the Vikings' hand this season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Vikings used pick No. 198 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne. They selected the speedy rusher to improve the team's rushing attack, which struggled last year, averaging 108.3 rushing yards per game (23rd).

Veteran running back Aaron Jones agreed to a substantial pay cut to stay with the Vikings this season. Meanwhile, his backup, Jordan Mason, is back after leading the team in rushing yards (758) and rushing touchdowns (6). While that duo handled a majority of Minnesota's ground attack, three other halfbacks accounted for 155 offensive snaps.

With Ty Chandler on the Saints roster and Cam Akers a free agent, there are some snaps available to be distributed. Training camp is a great place to earn those opportunities, and Claiborne is making a great case to take those snaps.

Demond Claiborne's outlook is promising amid his strong training camp

When surrounded by such high levels of talent, it can be difficult to get noticed. That hasn't been a problem for Claiborne, who has been turning heads at training camp.

Recently, Jones spoke with Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and had positive things to say about the young running back.

"(Demond is) a special back in this league. I get to mentor him up and show him the way," Jones said. "I told him I want him to be successful; I want to see him go on and get paid and those kinds of things. He’ll be playing in this league as long as he wants to, but just got to lock in here and take care of the business.”

Aaron Jones is confident in Demond Claiborne's outlook despite the fact that the Vikings' rookie has yet to play an NFL game. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jones has been around some special players during his time in the NFL. Claiborne's 4.37-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine was impressive, but seeing him in training camp only hammered home how fast he truly is.

Tai Felton gunner rep with Demond Claiborne returning the punt. pic.twitter.com/dsfsRHowhY

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 5, 2026

Excitement about Claiborne's speed has many fans hoping he can make the Vikings' 53-man roster. His lightning footwork will be a great complement to Jones's complete game and Mason's physical presence.

If the Purple and Gold only go with three running backs, they will have a tough time choosing between returning rusher Zavier Scott and the dynamic rookie. Scott has experience on his side, entering his third season with the Vikings after rushing for 114 yards on 32 carries in 16 games last year.

However, if Claiborne continues to have a great training camp, he could force head coach Kevin O'Connell's hand. The Vikings would have no choice but to keep him as the RB3 and cut Scott, whose entire $1,005,000 salary would come off the books, according to Spotrac.

Preseason is right around the corner, and it will be another opportunity for Claiborne to showcase his skills that have him being called "special" before he even takes a regular-season snap. His first test comes Saturday afternoon against the Giants, who allowed the second-most rushing yards per game last season (145.3).

If the 22-year-old speedster can do that, he will all but ensure himself a Vikings roster spot and a key offensive role during the 2026 NFL season.

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