Vikings Hope Speedy Rookie Jerick McKinnon is Also a Quick Study

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Jerick McKinnon was the last of Minnesota's 10 draft picks to sign his rookie contract.

That's about the only race he wouldn't win.

The Vikings took McKinnon in the third round out of Georgia Southern for his versatility, his vision and of course his speed. McKinnon played a variety of positions for the Eagles, a perennial FCS-level power, frequently as an option-style quarterback. The Vikings targeted him for their backfield behind Adrian Peterson, hopeful the 5-foot-9, 210-pound McKinnon can be a productive alternative.

McKinnon took on the nickname "Jet" in college, for an obvious reason. His official 4.41-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL scouting combine was the second-fastest among all running backs.