The Minnesota Vikings selected running back Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest with the 198th pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to an April 25 announcement. The team moved up in the draft order by trading picks with New England to secure Claiborne.
Claiborne was a Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player and led Wake Forest in rushing for three consecutive seasons. He finished his college career with 2,599 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 558 carries, as well as contributing as a receiver and return specialist. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine included a time of 4.37 seconds in the forty-yard dash and a broad jump of ten feet, two inches.
Claiborne said after being drafted, “I was shocked! These last three days have been long for me. And so when they called up and they did what they did, it definitely put a smile on my face.” He added that he felt at ease after speaking with Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and other staff members: “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 quickness and resilience during his post-draft media session: “There was an example back in ’24…he dislocated his kneecap — gruesome injury — [but] came back after halftime and went back to work, finished the game…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 expressed readiness to contribute on special teams: “I’m willing to do it all…Being able to get my feet wet in the return game…is definitely something that I can’t wait to have an opportunity to [do].” He also described his positive impression during his visit with team staff earlier this month: “Minnesota is definitely one of those places where they do care a lot about their players…Those are great people. And like I said, I’m happy to be a Viking and I’m ready to get to work.”
