Could a sixth-round rookie shake up the Minnesota Vikings' backfield in 2026? According to recent mock draft trends, the Vikings are eyeing Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, and his unique skill set might just make him a dark horse candidate to steal the starting job.

The Vikings' current running back room features veterans Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but their contracts tell an interesting story. Jones carries a hefty $10.2 million cap hit in 2026, while Mason's is more modest at $5.7 million. If Claiborne impresses in training camp and preseason, the front office could consider making one of these backs expendable—with Jones being the more likely candidate given his larger salary.

Beyond the financials, it's Claiborne's playstyle that could tip the scales. While Jones and Mason share similar between-the-tackles approaches, Claiborne offers a complete contrast. He brings pure explosiveness, the ability to change direction on a dime, and reliable hands out of the backfield. This makes him a natural fit for third-down and passing situations—areas where head coach Kevin O'Connell has yet to deploy a back with this much juice.

Don't be surprised if, by Week 6, Claiborne is carving out significant snaps and turning heads on tape. His speed could be exactly what this offense needs to elevate its ground game to new heights. For a team looking to add some spark, Claiborne might just be the steal of the draft.