What did ESPN think of the Vikings' running backs heading into 2026?

The Minnesota Vikings' ground game last season was overall lackluster, but it might have been due to a lack of attempts. The Vikings finished in the bottom third of rush yards per game but 11th in yards per carry. Minnesota would bring back Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason and add Demond Claiborne in the 2026 NFL Draft. With that being said, where would this group rank?

>Bill Barnwell of ESPN went over the WR, TE, and RB groups across the NFL and ranked the group as a whole, and placed the Vikings 8th overall, a drop from their 6th place ranking last season. Here is what he had to say about the running backs:

Running back just isn't a strength for this team. Jordan Mason is a one-dimensional ball carrier without much of an impact in the passing game, and fumbles remain a real problem for him (six across 337 touches over the past two seasons). Aaron Jones Sr. has seven fumbles of his own over that same time span, and while he can do more as a receiver, Jones is 31 and has missed significant time with injuries in two of the past three seasons. The names on the Vikings' roster at running back and tight end might be more prominent than their actual expected level of play in 2026.

Barnwell hit the nail on the head. This is a lackluster group in terms of talent, but we know the scheme works. One of Mason or Jones may not even be on the week one roster, leaving the other and Claiborne as the duo pending a trade. If Minnesota wants to be competitive this season, an upgrade may be required.

>This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: What did ESPN think of the Vikings' running backs heading into 2026?