The Vikings have the best running back corps in the NFL without a doubt.  It all starts with last year’s rookie sensation, Adrian Peterson.  Peterson can score from anywhere on the field with his awesome combination of speed and power.  He played in 14 games (9 starts) for the Vikings last season and he carried the ball 238 times for 1,341 yards (5.6 ypc) with 12 TD runs.  He also has caught 19 passes for 268 yards (14.1 avg) with 1 TD grab.  Look for his numbers to improve if he can stay healthy which might always be an issue for him.

Chester Taylor is one of the best backup running backs in the NFL.  He would likely start for about 15-20 teams in the NFL.  Taylor played in 14 games (8 starts) for the Vikings last season and he carried the ball 157 times for 844 yards (5.4 ypc) with 7 TD runs.  He also has caught 29 passes for 281 yards (9.7 avg).  Look for Taylor to add to his solid career numbers in 2008.  Taylor has now played in 91 games (31 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 833 times for 3,659 yards (4.4 ypc) with 17 TD runs.  He has also caught 176 passes for 1,306 yards (7.4 avg) with 3 TD grabs.

Maurice Hicks will take over Mewelde Moore’s old job as the #3 RB of the Vikings.  Hicks played in 16 games (0 starts) for the 49ers last season and he carried the ball 21 times for 117 yards (5.6 ypc) with 1 TD run.  He also caught 14 passes for 86 yards (6.1 avg).  Look for Hicks to get some scrap carries behind Peterson and Taylor.  Hicks has now played in 55 games (5 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 205 times for 869 yards (4.2 ypc) with 6 TD runs.  He also has caught 55 passes for 424 yards (7.7 avg) with 1 TD grab.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  A+