Demond Claiborne
22-Year-Old
2025 Rush/Rec Stats
ATT
0
YDS
0
TD
0
YDS
0
TD
0
2026 Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
A sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Claiborne made a splash at the combine by running a 4.37 40-yard dash, but he could have a hard time translating that speed into NFL production. His small size limits his ability to gain yards between the tackles or handle blitzing defenders in pass protection, and ball security issues in his final year of college were also a concern. Claiborne is also not a natural pass-catcher, further limiting his usage. He does have upside as a kick returner, but the Vikings already have Myles Price in that role. Claiborne is capable of breaking off a big gain any time he's in open space, but he may need to prove he's more than a one-trick pony to earn a spot on the gameday roster in a backfield that has Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason filling the top spots on the depth chart. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year contract with the Vikings in May of 2026.
Scooped by Vikings
The Vikings selected Claiborne in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 198th overall.
ANALYSIS
Claiborne brings a dynamic skillset to Minnesota after four years at Wake Forest -- two as a starter. The 22-year-old is a patient runner with the speed (4.37 40-yard dash) to break open a play when he sees daylight. At 5-foot-10, 188 pounds, he doesn't project as a consistent threat between the tackles, but there's clear upside if the Vikings can get him into space. Over his final two seasons, Claiborne rushed 407 times for 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 51 receptions for 194 yards and two scores. Claiborne could earn his keep in a third-down role if he can tidy up his pass blocking, but it's a crowded room for now with 31-year-old Aaron Jones leading the way ahead of Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott.
Claiborne brings a dynamic skillset to Minnesota after four years at Wake Forest -- two as a starter. The 22-year-old is a patient runner with the speed (4.37 40-yard dash) to break open a play when he sees daylight. At 5-foot-10, 188 pounds, he doesn't project as a consistent threat between the tackles, but there's clear upside if the Vikings can get him into space. Over his final two seasons, Claiborne rushed 407 times for 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 51 receptions for 194 yards and two scores. Claiborne could earn his keep in a third-down role if he can tidy up his pass blocking, but it's a crowded room for now with 31-year-old Aaron Jones leading the way ahead of Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott.
NFL Stats
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
See red zone opportunities inside the 20, 10 and 5-yard lines along with the percentage of time they converted the opportunity into a touchdown.
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
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Receiving Alignment Breakdown
See where Demond Claiborne lined up on the field and how he performed at each spot.
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2025 Demond Claiborne Split Stats
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Measurables Review
View College Player Page
How do Demond Claiborne's measurables compare to other running backs?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
5' 10"Weight
188 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.37 secBroad Jump
122 inBench Press
0 repsHand Length
9.00 inArm Length
30.13 in
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Electric as kick returner
Running back Aaron Jones told reporters Tuesday that Claiborne's speed and electricity as a returner on kicks "is no joke," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Claiborne played all four years of his college career at Wake Forest and was named to the All-ACC Second Team in 2025 after logging 179 carries for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns along with 28 catches for 140 yards and five scores across 12 games. He was scooped up by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to provide depth in the backfield behind Jones and Jordan Mason. Claiborne isn't expected to see a lot of touches on offense but could earn himself consistent playing time as a dynamic returner on kickoffs and punts, with Myles Price being the rookie's biggest competition for a return role.
Claiborne played all four years of his college career at Wake Forest and was named to the All-ACC Second Team in 2025 after logging 179 carries for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns along with 28 catches for 140 yards and five scores across 12 games. He was scooped up by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to provide depth in the backfield behind Jones and Jordan Mason. Claiborne isn't expected to see a lot of touches on offense but could earn himself consistent playing time as a dynamic returner on kickoffs and punts, with Myles Price being the rookie's biggest competition for a return role.