Minnesota Vikings: Running Back battle breakdown, 2017 edition

Everyone knows who departed the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield, but the new running back core is deep. Who will win number one duties for the Vikings in 2017?

NFL training camps are getting underway. After that, preseason games will begin before you know it. We are officially out of the offseason and into the preseason. With that, it is time to speculate wildly on everything from depth charts to position battles to standings to signings.

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We debated major quarterback battles in New York, Chicago, Denver, and Houston. Now we turn to the Minnesota Vikings and their opening at running back. Its going to be a battle in the backfield for number one reps.

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, discuss the Minnesota Vikings in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Minnesota Vikings RB Contenders

Latavius Murray
Dalvin Cook
Jerick McKinnon
Bishop Sankey

Details

Todd Salem: Remember Bishop Sankey? Remember when he was a first-round fantasy pick and everyone thought he was the next guy? Feel any post-hype sleeper status with him this season?!? Nah, me neither. He’s not in this discussion.

The other three guys all are. Murray is the big free agent signing. He signed a three-year, $15 million deal. It sounds impressive, but there is an out after this season. The Vikings aren’t on the hook for much after 2017. Murray is also still recovering from an ankle injury and was placed on the PUP list this week.

Cook is the big draft pick. He was taken early in the second round by Minnesota and possesses big-play ability. Teams soured on his demeanor and fumbling issues during the pre-draft process, but Cook is a home-run breaker and touchdown maker.

And McKinnon is the veteran of the crew with the most experience in the system. He has played in 42 games during his three-year Viking career, and started seven times last season. He is a threat in the backfield, as well as in the passing game.

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Dan Salem: The official departure of Adrian Peterson created an incredible opportunity for one of these players to firmly seize the starting job. In reality, Peterson was not the go-to running back for this team of late.

The Vikings would love to find their new AP this season, but the competition for carries may preclude one player from firmly seizing the role. A trend toward splitting time and alternating offensive series at the running back position will also work against Minnesota’s running backs, but in the team’s favor long term.

Selection

Todd Salem: Murray would have been my answer to start Week 1, if not for the slow offseason recovery from injury. This sets him behind his backfield mates in my opinion. In the discussion between the other two, McKinnon is simply in a bad spot. He has a similar game to Cook, but isn’t as talented of a player. I could see the more experienced McKinnon grabbing a Week 1 start, but it would just be window dressing.

He has little chance of holding off Cook, and Murray for that matter, all season. Murray may end up grabbing the most carries out of the backfield by season’s end, but Cook is the better all-around asset and should see more total touches.

Dan Salem: This battle comes down to Cook versus Murray. The rookie versus the proven player with experience. Yet Murray is technically injured at the moment. Despite his status, I believe Murray wins this job and is the number one running back for Minnesota in Week 1.

If Murray’s injury recovery continues through August and precludes him from playing in week one, then his injury is significantly more severe than anyone realized. His ability to play at a high level this season comes into question and the job goes to Cook. The Vikings won’t toss a heavy load on the rookie from Day 1, but that is why they secured depth at the position.

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If Murray fully recovers from injury as expected, then he will start week one. Its the reason he was brought in this offseason and it allows Cook to find his stride in the NFL game. Ultimately both Cook and Murray will see equal carriers and equal opportunities by midseason. If Minnesota can form a dynamic duo, we can expect great things from their offense this season.