After releasing longtime Viking and Four Time Pro-Bowl Running Back Dalvin Cook, many are questioning the Minnesota Vikings run game heading into the 2023-24 season. However, the loss of Dalvin Cook isn’t as big of a loss as many seem to think, as he was coming off his worst season this past year where he looked to have lacked that explosiveness and physicality that he once had. Last season the Viking ranked 28th in Rushing Yards Per Game, with Cook ranking among the lowest in the league in broken tackles whilst being top 5 in rushing attempts. In the Mike Zimmer era, Dalvin Cook was much more heavily relied on, but the Vikings found success in the past-first offense and they ran the football much less last year. The Running Backs on the Vikings Roster are all very inexperienced and all look for a chance and should all get a chance to be featured in 2023.
Alexander Mattison
Mattison has been getting some carries for the Vikings over the past few years since being drafted in 2019, and filling in nicely when Cook missed games with injuries. This will be the first year where Alexander Mattison will get the load of a Running Back #1 and the Vikings will see if he can be a reliable piece of this offense. Mattison is a very physical back who could definitely shine in 2023.
Kene Nwangwu
If you’re a Vikings fan you know the name Kene Nwangwu very well, as he has been the Kick Returner for the Vikings over the past two seasons scoring three kick-return touchdowns with his blazing speed. 2023 will be the first year Kene Nwangwu will get real reps at the running back position, he has the elusiveness and athleticism but many are concerned with his vision as a runner. Hopefully, in 2023 he can fix his previous issues and be an effective runner for the Minnesota Vikings.
Ty Chandler
The Vikings selected Ty Chandler in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and was considered a steal after being a standout at UNC. Chandler only had six carries in his rookie season, but has shown many flashes in Training Camp and Preseason. If Chandler continues to impress he might have a lock on the Vikings RB2 slot and will start the year off suited up. Chandler also offers upside in the receiving game, something Mattison doesn’t which could lead to more snaps for Chandler.
DeWayne McBride
McBride was a sneaky steal for the Vikings in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, McBride at UAB was a really sharp runner with good vision and the ability to break tackles which is something Cook struggled with last season. McBride is also a very fluid runner who runs comfortably. McBride could be a surprise pick to possibly earn the Vikings RB2 position and start to gradually get more carries as the season progresses.
