Analyzing talent acquisition options for the tailback position group in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft , based solely on the eye-ball test (film study) and who fits best with the Vikings ’ schemes and needs.1) Dalvin Cook – FSUNot saying he's the best running back in the draft, but he is the best fit for the Vikings. Cook is a true 3-down back with explosive capabilities. If he can learn to carry the ball high and tight, you're looking at the next Marshall Faulk ... perfect for Shurmer's goals to become a shotgun-heavy, quick-twitch offense.2) Leonard Fournette – LSUAP 2.0: The dude will be a game-changer, likely to have a huge impact from day one. Not sure how useful he can be as a pass catcher, but his ‘ceiling is the roof’3) Christian McCaffrey - StanfordIf he slips into the 2nd round (which he won't) then we MUST trade up to grab him. Forget what I wrote in this entire article. Whatever perceived lack of effectiveness he may (or may not) have when running between tackles, McCaffrey makes up for with a skill set that allows offensive coordinators the freedom to double the thickness of their playbooks. He should be paired with a power back, but in this draft that should not be a problem.4) Joe Mixon – OklahomaA great mix of size and breakaway speed; awesome hands; gallops during home runs. Style runner: Think Demarco Murray or Adrian Peterson . I think Oklahoma has a type!! It's nice to have a back with a 2nd gear, something the Vikings don't have on their roster after AP finds work elsewhere.5) Wayne Gallman – ClemsonGallman appears to show more efficiency in space when compared to backs in this draft with similar measurements (i.e. Jamal Williams out of BYU). I’m a big fan of his skill set and abilities at the next level.6) Marlon Mack – USFThe next Arian Foster with more tackle-breaking ability. Has experience reading plays and finding holes out of shotgun formations. Passes eye-ball test better than others. True steal in the 4th or 5th round. Will likely go in the 3rd... It only takes one team to fall in love… If the Vikings can get him in the 4th, it would be a dream!!

7) D’Onta Foreman – TexasIt's amazing to watch 250 lbs run this fast. Great vision and hits the hole like a boss. Would be a fantastic grab to replace Asiata… Think Jerome Bettis.8) Samaje Perine – OklahomaThe dude is an absolute bulldozer and fully capable of running for 427 yards in one game. Need I say more? Sign me up!9) Alvin Kamara – TennesseeHe’s a spitting image of Jerrick McKinnon: Patient, quick, explosive, dynamic. Kamara is a great weapon in the passing game and shows proficiency when running out of shotgun formations. Other than his versatile ability to play all 3 downs, I for whatever reason don't see what other scouts see. Most scouts have him in their top 5 RB prospects. He's shifty and can break tackles but I don't see a ton of explosion or speed at the second level. Too many highlights showing already established gaping holes and wide open spaces . Don't see a 2nd gear. He's another Jet McKinnon.10) Tarean Folston – Notre DameFolston shows awesome speed when hitting the hole. Great agility and lateral movement/quickness. More burst in comparison to the next couple of guys on the list. Me likey burst.11) Jamal Williams – BYUGreat vision and strength. A lot of YAC. Reminds me of Gallman but with less knee bend and inferior shimmy/shake qualities.12) Justin Davis – USCGood down-hill runner. Awesome shake in the open field. Reliable hands. Seems like a Buck Allen replica. Great 3-down potential for the later rounds.13) Elijah Hood – UNC / Brian Hill – Wyoming / Jeremy McNichols – Boise State / Corey Clement – WisconsinEventually a lot these guys start to look the same on film. These prospects are physical and effective but nothing crazy jumps off screen. Great replacement options for Asiata which would immediately improve the position group's ability to convert short yardage. These backs show a unique propensity to break tackles as well.14) Donnell Pumphrey - SDSUThe next Darren Sproles ... In every way, except 25 lbs lighter... but don't let the 169 lb frame scare you away, after all, we are talking about the all-time D1 leader in rushing yards (6,405 yards on just over 1,000 attempts). Well worth the 5th or 6th round flyer if we can only get our hands on a power back in the mid-rounds.15) Kareem Hunt –Toledo723 career carries, ZERO fumbles. Lots of elusiveness and shows quality vision. Not enough speed to excite me. That being said, he showed prowess at the senior bowl running for 118 yards and appeared to be in much better shape than he was during the season as a Toledo Rocket. At the senior bowl, Hunt showed explosive burst and solid footwork that was much harder to find in his game tape previously.#skol@backseatspielman