Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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The 2019 NFL Draft is just two weeks from today.
The first round of the annual event will begin at 7 p.m. (CT) on April 25 in Nashville.
The Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party will coincide with the opening night. It is scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m. on April 25 at U.S. Bank Stadium and will feature live coverage of the draft by “Voice of the Vikings” Paul Allen and KFAN. Tickets are available for purchase here.
The second and third rounds will be held on April 26, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. (CT).
The fourth round will start at 11 a.m. (CT) on April 27 and be followed by Rounds 5-7.
The Vikings currently have eight selections in the draft, beginning with the 18th overall pick. Minnesota went 8-7-1 in 2018 and missed out on the postseason.
Vikings.com is taking a glance at the top prospects at each position leading up to the draft.
April 11: Running backs
April 12: Tight ends
April 15: Quarterbacks
April 16: Wide receivers
April 17: Offensive tackles
April 18: Centers and guards
April 19: Defensive tackles
April 22: Defensive ends/edge rushers
April 23: Linebackers
April 24: Cornerbacks
April 25: Safeties
Where the Vikings Stand
The Vikings have four running backs — Dalvin Cook, Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and Roc Thomas — on the roster, as well as fullback C.J. Ham, who transitioned from running back in 2017.
Cook has totaled 969 yards and four touchdowns on 207 carries in 15 games over the course of his first two pro seasons. His rookie campaign was halted by a torn ACL in Week 4, and his second season was adversely affected by a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2. Despite the injuries, Cook has 51 receptions for 395 yards and two touchdowns. Abdullah was added during the 2018 season, and Boone and Thomas joined the team as undrafted rookie free agents last year. All three played sparingly but could be in line for a larger role after the departure of Latavius Murray to New Orleans. In addition to blocking, Ham has 18 receptions for 153 yards and 13 rushes for 21 yards and a score in two seasons.
Recent NFL Draft History (past five years)
Total number of running backs taken: 114 (includes 11 fullbacks)
Round 1: 8 (3 in 2018, 2 in 2017, 1 in 2016, 2 in 2015, 0 in 2014)
Round 2: 12 (4 in 2018, 2 in 2017, 1 in 2016, 2 in 2015, 3 in 2014)
Round 3: 15 (1 in 2018, 4 in 2017, 2 in 2016, 4 in 2015, 4 in 2014)
Round 4: 25 (5 in 2018, 7 in 2017, 3 in 2016, 3 in 2015, 6 in 2014; 1 fullback in 2015)
Round 5: 16 (1 in 2018, 4 in 2017, 6 in 2016, 4 in 2015, 0 in 2014; 1 fullback in 2015)
Round 6: 18 (3 in 2018, 3 in 2017, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2015, 4 in 2014; 1 fullback in 2017, 3 fullbacks in 2016, 1 fullback in 2015, 1 fullback in 2014)
Round 7: 20 (4 in 2018, 5 in 2017, 4 in 2016, 2 in 2015, 2 in 2014; 1 fullback in 2017, 1 fullback in 2015, 1 fullback in 2014)
The Prospects (based on rankings by Dane Brugler of The Athletic)