C.J.Ham

Aug 26

Given how many second-team reps sixth-round rookie running back Demond Claiborne (pictured above) has received in camp, it’s hard to

believe he won’t make the final roster. Claiborne’s speed (4. 37 in the 40) is difficult to dismiss, but he has had issues with fumbling and catching the ball. He also needs to be more patient in waiting for his blocks to develop. Given Claiborne is only 22 years old, those are things that will take time for him to learn. This is where keeping Zavier Scott has to be a consideration. Scott, 27, isn’t flashy but you know what you’re going to get. He had 114 yards on 32 carries last season in 16 games and also played 36 percent of the snaps on special teams. Last year, the Vikings kept four running backs in the final cutdown, but that was because fullback C. J. Ham began the season on injured reserve. Rookie fullback Max Bredeson is a lock for the 53-man roster this year. It would not be a surprise if Scott is cut on Sunday and quickly signed to the practice squad.

Aug 26

Bredeson, who was a fifth-round pick in April, has been impressive in camp and is a lock to make the roster as C.J. Ham’s replacement. The Vikings hired Frank Smith as their assistant head coach this offseason in part to improve the run game. Smith, who had been the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, employed a fullback on nearly 25 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. Bredeson is an intriguing prospect because he also spent time as a tight end and H-back at Michigan. The latter position combines the skills of a fullback and tight end and is a spot in which the Vikings used Jim Kleinsasser during his career.