Regardless of whether the Vikings keep Adrian Peterson, it's a good year for them to draft a running back.
After two straight years without a back being taken in the first round, next weekend's NFL draft features two that should -- Georgia's Todd Gurley and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon.
It's entirely possible, in fact, that as many as 10 running backs are taken in the first round, and more than 20 in all seven rounds.
"This is a strong running back class," draft analyst Dane Brugler said.
If the Vikings decide to trade Peterson, under contract but eager to move on after the drama surrounding last season's child abuse arrest, they could look at Gurley or Gordon with their No.