Vikings sign McKinnon, all draft picks are now signed
The Vikings announced the signing of the last of their 10 draft picks, from last month's NFL Draft.
Tuesday, the Vikings announced the signing of RB Jerick McKinnon.
McKinnon was drafted by the Vikings in the third round (96th overall). He started 31-of-47 collegiate games and played several different positions during his career at Georgia Southern, including RB, QB, WR, and CB.
The 5-foot-9, 208-pound McKinnon finished his career with 3,899 yards career rushing yards and 42 career rushing touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards in 17 career games, threw 12 touchdown passes and had a touchdown catch.
He rushed for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns on 161 attempts, as a senior.
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According to Pro Football Talk, McKinnon will likely be one of the primary backups to Adrian Peterson, this season.
Peterson's backup last season, Toby Gerhart, signed with Jacksonville as a free agent in the offseason.
The Vikings may envision a different role for McKinnon anyway.
The Daily Norseman compares McKinnon to another running back who made history in Norv Turner's offenses, Darren Sproles. Sproles was the change of pace back for LaDainian Tomlinson, while he was in his prime in San Diego. Sproles later developed into his own as a running back and pass catcher, with the Saints.
The Vikings, one would assume, would hope to use McKinnon much in the same matter, as a change of pace guy and a back that can help ease some wear and tear on Adrian Peterson. As it stands right now, he will probably be fighting it out with primary backup Matt Asiata to win the number two job.
According to the Pioneer Press, McKinnon will receive a signing bonus of $515,000. His total deal could be worth around $2.75 million over four years.
