Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne must pass-protect effectively, and that’s really all there is to it. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski used a 6th-round pick on Claiborne in April, and for him to reach his fullest potential, he’ll need to pass-block, according to offensive coordinator Wes Phillips.
Phillips spoke to the media on Thursday about the Vikings’ offense as a whole, and he complimented Claiborne while mentioning the blocking.
Pass Protection Will Determine Claiborne’s Rookie Role
Phillips on Claiborne
Mentioning Claiborne at the end of his remarks, Phillips opined, “There were a lot of growing pains in the spring as far as being disciplined with his footwork, his tracks, and then learning the protection scheme and all the calls and things that go into it. Some of these college systems are very different from the pros, and Wake Forest was no different.”
“Each system has its own great things that they do, and it obviously allowed him to succeed, but it was very different from the terminology and things that he had to learn here.”
Claiborne has evidently taken the next step at training camp after looking rather raw in the spring.
“But you just see a much more comfortable player, even in the first few days here coming into camp. Explosive. Great feet. Great kid,” Phillips concluded.
A Prerequisite for Vikings RBs
Phillips’s assessment should come as absolutely no surprise to hardcore fans of Vikings football. Under Kevin O’Connell in the last four years, blocking is mandatory for halfbacks who seek playing time. It’s why Minnesota signed Aaron Jones in 2024 free agency and traded for Jordan Mason in 2025 – – both tailbacks hold their own via pass protection and show a willingness to participate.
Remember Alexander Mattison? Wasn’t it strange how the Vikings trusted him with the RB1 title in 2023? Yes – – and that’s because pass protection was one area where Minnesota trusted Mattison. He tried. He cared.
How about Ty Chandler? Ring a bell? Chandler struggled to pass-block and, as a result, didn’t see the field too frequently as a member of the Vikings from 2022 to 2025. He now plays for the New Orleans Saints.
There’s also the longstanding Cam Akers bit. Minnesota always finds its way back to Akers as of late. Can you guess why? He blocks.
The Vikings need Claiborne to pass-protect, and he’s apparently learning that part of his job description on the fly.
The Speed Is There
On the other hand – – blocking be damned – – Claiborne has speed that kills. He ran a 4.37 forty at the 2026 NFL Combine (third-fastest among rookie RBs), and if he sees playing time this season or next, Phillips and O’Connell won’t have to teach speed. Claiborne has that wrapped up genetically.
The goal for Claiborne should be to make himself versatile as a pass-catcher – – the Vikings like that, too – – and hone his craft at blocking defenders. The rest will fall into place.
Overall, Claiborne is one of the more intriguing training camp draws because fans want to see if he has the early juice for an eventual RB1 or RB2 role.
The Long Game for Claiborne
Speaking of his future, both of the Vikings’ main running backs, Jones and Mason, are scheduled for free agency in 2027. There is no better time for Claiborne to prove himself than now. He lives on a roster that has zero RB1 candidates lined up for 2027 – – except him.
Suppose Claiborne shows enough progress behind the scenes in 2026 or even on a regular season field. He could put his name in the hat for the 2027 RB1 job. The franchise is yearning for a young, dynamic running back.
RotoBaller‘s Phil Clark wrote about Claiborne this week, “Claiborne will be incorporated into a backfield that also contains Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr., who should enter Week 1 as the Vikings’ top two backs.”
“However, that may not impede Claiborne from rising into relevance as the regular season unfolds. Jones will turn 32 in December. He also contended with multiple injuries in 2025 (hamstring/shoulder/ankle/hip) and was inactive during five contests.”
If the pass-blocking falls into place, Claiborne could soon be “the guy” at running back for the Vikings.
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VikesNow Verdict: Claiborne’s speed gives Minnesota something its backfield has lacked, but that alone won’t earn him snaps. If the rookie can master protections and assignments, his explosiveness could make him much more than a 6th-round lottery ticket.
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