The Minnesota Vikings announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected running back Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest with the 198th pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding speed and versatility to their offense.
Claiborne’s selection is notable as he was a Second-Team All-ACC player who led Wake Forest in rushing for three consecutive seasons. The Vikings traded picks No. 234 and a future sixth-rounder to New England to move up and secure Claiborne at No. 198.
“I was shocked! These last three days have been long for me,” Claiborne said during a video call after being drafted. “And so when they called up and they did what they did, it definitely put a smile on my face.” He added, “All of them let me know, ‘Hey man, we’re excited you’re here. It doesn’t matter what round you get picked in. We’re going to support you.'”
Director of College Scouting Mike Sholiton praised Claiborne’s quick feet, explosiveness, and toughness by referencing his return from injury during a game against Louisiana in 2024: “So it’s just that competitive spirit, the passion for the game, the toughness to match with that speed and juice that he brings that we’re really excited to add.”
Claiborne measured at nearly 5-foot-10 and weighed 188 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a notable 4.37-second forty-yard dash—third fastest among running backs this year—and recorded a broad jump of over ten feet.
Reflecting on his draft experience and visit with Minnesota earlier this month, Claiborne said: “Minnesota is definitely one of those places where they do care a lot about their players… I actually got a chance to talk to the head coach Kevin O’Connell… Those are great people. And like I said, I’m happy to be a Viking and I’m ready to get to work.”