Meet Demond Claiborne, Vikings' new RB draft pick with 4.37-second 40 time

The Minnesota Vikings made a trade up the board to get their guy.

It might be late in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a running back pick at this point can still work out, and that's what they wanted: Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne.

They made him the No. 198 overall pick on Saturday.

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What to know about Demond Claiborne

Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, which certainly stands out.

He spent his entire college career at Wake Forest, rare in this day and age.

He didn't play much as a true freshman, then ran for 586 yards as a sophomore.

In 2024, Claiborne really broke out. He carried 228 times for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores.

Then in 2025, he increased his rushing efficiency by going for 907 yards on 179 runs (5.1 ypc). He scored 10 touchdowns and added 28 catches for 140 yards.

BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian Harris

Claiborne is originally from the state of Virginia, and he measures at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds.

He also broad jumped 10 feet, 2 inches at the NFL Combine.

Now, he joins the Vikings where they have an aging RB depth chart around him. He'll have a chance down the road.

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