The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Vikings fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Vikings will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this running back report, we will cover the position here at Vikings Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Vikings have shown that their offense and what they hope to achieve rely upon the team's consistent ground attack. The trade for Cam Akers was a nice band-aid approach, but Akers and Ty Chandler aren't long-term answers. Aaron Jones also has been a breath of fresh air and has made a bigger impact than anyone could have hoped. Even if they bring him back, we need a backup option in place and someone who could step up and become the guy if called upon.
With that in mind, here is a running back prospect who could don a Vikings uniform next season.
Player Information
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) stiff-arms Tennessee Tech defensive back Omari Philyaw (16) during the first half of a NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Player: Trevor Etienne
School: Georgia (Formerly Florida)
Year: Third-Year Junior
DOB (Age when drafted): July 9, 2004 (20)
Height (unofficial): 5-9
Weight (unofficial): 202 lbs.
Player Background
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) breaks away for a big gain during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
4-star recruit according to 247 Sports Member of the Army All-American team in high school All-SEC Freshman Team member in 2022 Younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Career Stats
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) powers past Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) to score the game winning touchdown during overtime of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
Touches: 433
Rushing Yards: 2,081
Rushing Touchdowns: 23
Receiving Yards: 432
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Fumbles: 4
Notable PFF Numbers from the 2024 season
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) moves the ball during the first half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
Rushing Grade: 86.7
Yards Per Carry After Contact: 3.43
Rushing Attempts Over 10 Yards: 17
Missed Tackles Forced: 28
Breakaway Run Percentage: 31%
Player Strengths
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne (1) runs the ball during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Surprises you as a pass catcher, moves really well turning upfield and making defenders miss in space Good vision to see where the defense is flooding to and avoids them Makes defenders miss in space and has the speed to turn the corner and be gone Incredible balance both in making cuts and change of directions but especially when facing contact His short-area quickness and decision-making will be what gives him most success in the NFL Trait Grades
Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne (1) warms up before a game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Vision: 6.7
Cutback Ability: 6.7
Long Speed: 6.7
Contact Balance: 7
Pass Blocking: 6
Break/Avoid Tackles: 7
Durability: 6
Receiving Ability: 7
Quickness: 7
Ball Security: 6.3
Player Summary
Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne (1) runs with the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Trevor Etienne was the biggest surprise of the running back class so far for me when watching them. He has a unique blend of dual-threat ability that he really surprised me on film. He constantly made people miss in the backfield as a ball carrier and then made linebackers miss at the second level. In the passing game, he had fluid hips and quick decision-making to be able to turn upfield and then get ahead of defends. His speed can fool you as he doesn't move well without the ball, but once he has it in his hands, he has every chance of being gone for a big play.
Player Grade: 6.63
Projected Role: Can become a good starter within 2 years