Vikings running backs shut out of ESPN's top-10 ranking

Vikings running backs shut out of ESPN’s top-10 ranking highlights a gap between Minnesota’s productivity and national recognition. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released the network’s 2026 positional ranking of the NFL’s top running backs, determined from votes by league executives, coaches, and scouts, using top-10 ballots plus composite averages, interviews, and film study. Bijan Robinson was ranked No. 1, followed by Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Jonathan Taylor. Despite Minnesota’s experienced backfield, no Vikings running back made ESPN’s top 10, leaving Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason out. Jones, who played 12 games in 2025, had 132 carries for 548 yards (4.2 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns. Mason led the Vikings with 159 carries for 758 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. The article frames the omission as a storyline for training camp, with discussion of how both backs could complement quarterback support rather than mirror top-end volume stars elsewhere.