Minnesota Vikings: Roc Thomas a possible Jerick McKinnon replacement

The Minnesota Vikings lost running back Jerick McKinnon this offseason but undrafted rookie Roc Thomas might be a replacement.

The Minnesota Vikings lost running back Jerick McKinnon in free agency this offseason and may have already found a potential replacement for him.

The Vikings have an opening for their third running back position but right now, undrafted rookie Roc Thomas is running away with it.

Quite literally.

Thomas was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in Alabama where he initially committed to play college football at Auburn.

He spent two years with Auburn before transferring to Jacksonville State.

The transfer to Jacksonville State provided Thomas with a lot of additional work offensively and he responded with exceptional production, finishing with a 5.9 yards per carry average over the course of his college career and his first season of 1,000-plus rushing yards in 2017.

He also caught a total of 37 passes in his time at Jacksonville State, flashing on tape the ability to make plays after the catch and in open space.

He flashed that ability again against the Denver Broncos with two touchdowns as a receiver and some really nice work as a running back.

Not only did Thomas make plays in the open field, he showed an ability to navigate through the mud between the tackles and create positive yardage out of an otherwise solid defensive stop.

That’s what could ultimately differentiate Thomas and McKinnon, though the Vikings could certainly use this kid as a receiving specialist right away.

McKinnon never really developed into the type of full-time running back he should have and Minnesota was forced to make moves to bring in guys like Latavius Murray or Dalvin Cook who could play that more traditional ‘featured back’ role.

Thomas seems to have a very well-rounded game but for the time being, he can play a significant role as a receiver behind Cook and Murray on the Vikings’ depth chart.