The Minnesota Vikings selected running back DeWayne McBride with their final pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This selection made former Vikings running back and The 33rd Team’s Robert Smith happy. He had considered McBride as one of his sleeper running backs in this draft and took to Twitter to express his thoughts.

Smith’s endorsement of McBride should give fans confidence. McBride has the potential to compete despite potentially limited playing time initially. He isn’t a great pass-catching back, but his abilities as a runner make him a strong candidate for success.

Minnesota’s backfield already includes Alexander Mattison, Dalvin Cook, Ty Chandler, and Kene Nwangwu, making it a crowded backfield. However, there are speculations that the Vikings will let go of Cook this offseason, which would create an opportunity for McBride.

Time will tell if McBride can carve out a role on this team, but an endorsement from Smith is a good start for the rookie.

Story originally appeared on Vikings Wire