Demond Claiborne NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings RB

The Minnesota Vikings selected Wake Forest RB Demond Caliborne with the No. 198 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Demond Claiborne is a twitched-up, explosive runner and playmaking threat in the open field.

He enrolled as a former 4-star recruit at Wake Forest. In four seasons, Claiborne amassed 2,599 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. In 2025, he was named second-team All-ACC and third-team in 2024.

Claiborne projects as a change-of-pace running back, who complements a full-time ball-carrier. He is one of the class' fastest running backs. His track-and-field sprinter background is a key component of his explosive playmaking.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

Demond Claiborne Highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Quick-twitch mover, who stops/starts with high-efficiency

- Lateral agility and explosiveness to jump cut and get outside of defensive containment.

- Easy gas to gear up quickly and glide past a defense's first and second levels. An explosive homerun hitter with dangerous top-end speed.

- Offers a dynamic return ability to flip field position on special teams.

- Takes advantage of open run lanes and poor run fits by the defense.

Areas of Improvement

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- Light-in-the-pants running style and does not run with great power at the point of contact.

- Woes in pass protection due to unrefined technique and play strength.

- Ball protection was an issue in 2025.

- Fighting through tackles and creating yards after contact is average.

- Staying on the run path with patience for blocking to develop.

Grade, Rank, and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.59 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Sean Tucker (6.6 in 2023), DeWayne McBride (6.5 in 2023), Chase Brown (6.5 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 160

POSITION RANK: RB7

PRO COMPARISON: Keaton Mitchell

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 5'10"
Weight: 188
Hand: 9"
Arm: 30⅛"
Wingspan: 71¼"

40-Yard DASH: 4.37"
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bench Press: N/A