Second-year pro RB Albert Young is ahead of second-round pick RB Toby Gerhart as Adrian Peterson's top backup, but it's probably only a matter of time until that changes.
Young is smaller and may have value as a situational, change-of-pace back. Gerhart is the move-the-chains guy the Vikings envision spelling Peterson -- whose unexcused minicamp absence should be a non-issue as long as the fumbling stops -- and playing on third downs.
Practice-squad holdover Ian Johnson did himself no favors by dropping a couple of passes over the weekend. Darius Reynaud brings a little more value as a scatback than he did as a receiver but still will need to make the team on returns.
Naufahu Tahi remains the starting fullback, and the Vikings don't need to keep more than one. Seventh-round pick Ryan D'Imperio, a converted linebacker, had to start from scratch in OTAs and has a long road ahead.
Grabbing Peterson's backup is nice mid-to-late round strategy, whether you're a Peterson owner or not. Keep an eye on this, because it seems like Gerhart would be the guy you want to take this year.
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