The Minnesota Vikings have yet to establish a consistent, explosive run game in the Kevin O'Connell era. A revamped offensive approach with assistant head coach Frank Smith is expected to help balance out O'Connell's pass-happy tendencies. But this offseason's roster moves reinforce the philosophical shift.
One of those moves includes Demond Claiborne, the speedy Wake Forest running back the Vikings drafted with the 198th overall pick in April. His inclusion in the offense could take some time, as Claiborne is currently stuck behind veterans Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason on the depth chart. But Claiborne's speed could make him an attractive player on special teams.
Last week, ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote that Claiborne could find the field as a kick
returner after displaying the twitchiness that Minnesota was enamored with during the draft.
"Claiborne demonstrated the burst that got him drafted as a 180-pound tailback," Seifert said of Claiborne's preseason and training camp performance. "The Vikings are looking for ways to get him on the field on offense and possibly as a kick returner."
Myles Price served as the Vikings' kick and punt returner last year, but he could see more reps at wide receiver in 2026 after a strong offseason. That could open the door for Claiborne, who returned five kickoffs for 126 yards during the preseason.
Minnesota hasn't had a draft class with many contributors in a while. If Claiborne can serve as a kick returner to begin the season, that should be seen as an early win for the sixth-round pick as he gets more comfortable with the offense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings may have their new kick returner in rookie running back
