One of the Minnesota Vikings biggest offseason priorities is addressing the running back position. With Aaron Jones, coming off the best season of his career, set to become a free agent and already 30 years old, the team faces uncertainty in its backfield. Additionally, Cam Akers provided minimal production this past season and is also set to hit free agency. If both depart, the Vikings will be left with a significant void at running back.
To bolster their depth, the Vikings have reportedly shown interest in Utah running back Micah Bernard. Bernard had a standout season in 2024, rushing for a career-high 1,009 yards and averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. His most notable performance came against Oklahoma State, where he racked up 182 yards on 25 carries. Bernard also showcased his skills with a strong showing at the Hula Bowl.
MICAH.
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 21, 2024
BERNARD.
GROWN.
MAN.
😤#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/xuy68EQtSZ
As a pro prospect, Bernard stands out for his quickness through the hole and his ability to power through tacklers. This season, he forced 55 missed tackles and gained 73% of his yards after contact, highlighting his physicality and persistence as a runner.
However, Bernard isn’t without his flaws. His vision as a runner can be inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities in open running lanes. Additionally, he needs to improve as a receiver, catching only 70% of his targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Despite these limitations, Bernard carries a seventh-round grade on NFL Notebook’s 2025 NFL Draft board. While he may not emerge as the Vikings' starting running back, he could serve as a valuable late-round addition. Bernard’s skill set makes him a candidate for rotational duties on offense and a contributor on special teams in his rookie season.