EAGAN, Minn. — Less than two months after losing a running back in free agency, the Vikings added a versatile piece to their backfield Friday night.
Minnesota used the 102nd overall pick — the final selection of the third round — on Alexander Mattison, a Boise State junior running back who led the Mountain West Conference in rushing in 2018.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman believes the 5-foot-11, 221-pound Mattison will bring a blend of power and speed to Minnesota's backfield.
"One of the areas we thought we needed to make sure we covered was at running back, and a different type since we lost Latavius Murray [in free agency]," Spielman said. "Alexander Mattison is a big back that is very productive, can catch the ball very well out of the backfield.
"I know his ability to go forward on contact, a lot like Latavius did for us. I know his ability to catch the ball. I know his ability in pass protection, and I know we have to have multiple backs in this offense," Spielman later added. "We wanted something that was similar to a Murray type, and we felt that Alexander can definitely do that."
Mattison chatted with the Twin Cities media shortly after learning he was a Viking, and said his mindset on the field is to be "fast and physical."
"I think my versatility [is key]. I also think I'm a smart football player, and I make great decisions when I'm on the field and am very instinctive," Mattison said. "Along with that, [my] versatility kind of pays off, and that makes me the back that I am."
View images of Vikings new RB Alexander Mattison who was selected in the third round.
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State tight end Alec Dhaenens (87), running back Alexander Mattison (22), and running back Ryan Wolpin (21) kneel in the end zone before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against BYU in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives for a few extra yards on a carry against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Brigham Young linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) looks to make a tackle attempt on Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU linebacker Riggs Powell (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison heads to the bench after scoring a touchdown against Air Force in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs through the tackle attempt by Fresno State defensive end Mykal Walker (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 24-17 over Fresno State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball in the second half against San Diego State in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the diving BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) reaches out to hand the ball off to Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) against BYU in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) tries to stay in bounds while being pressured by BYU linebacker Riggs Powell, left, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) tries to stay in bounds while being pressured by BYU linebacker Riggs Powell, left, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, front left, gestures to the bench as running back Alexander Mattison waits for the call of a play in the huddle in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) celebrates tackling Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) for a loss in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against BYU in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Air Force defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, left, comes in to tackle Boise State running back Alexander Mattison after a short gain in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. Boise State won 48-38. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws a swing pass to running back Alexander Mattison against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU linebacker Riggs Powell (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball as San Diego State safety Parker Baldwin (33) reaches in for a tackle attempt in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, is hit by Colorado State linebacker Josh Watson (55) on a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes past a Connecticut defender in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) tackles Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, is swarmed by the San Diego State defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State's Alexander Mattison runs against Nevada in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by Troy linebacker Justin Whisenhunt (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives forward as he is tackled by Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle ,right, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), center, fights for yards against the San Diego State defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), right receives a hand off from Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle (25) grabs Boise State running back Alexander Mattison , left, during a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the Connecticut defense for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes past a Connecticut defender in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs for a touchdown past Nevada linebacker Lawson Hall during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs with the ball as Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle, center, tries to grab him an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is helped off the field after an injury during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) carries the Bleed Blue flag as Boise State runs on to the field before the game with Connecticut in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) carries the Bleed Blue flag as Boise State runs on to the field before the game with Connecticut in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) leaps over Nevada defensive back Dameon Baber (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Boise State won 41-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin, right, hands of the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) as they warm up before an NCAA college football game against Troy, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, file photo, Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif. For the second straight week Boise State and No. 25 Fresno State meet. This time it's for the Mountain West Conference championship and the game is in Boise rather than Fresno. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian, File)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) breaks a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison takes a moment before an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Fresno State won 28-17. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Fresno State's George Helmuth stops Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Fresno State won 28-17. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) after a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) scores a touchdown past San Diego State defenders during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison gets past a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Washington State cornerback Darrien Molton, right, brings down Boise State running back Alexander Mattison during second overtime in an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State quarterback Montell Cozart (3) hands off the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Moments after Mattison was drafted by Minnesota, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah have his take on the Boise State product.
"Boise State has had some running backs come into the league," Jeremiah said. "He's a north-south runner when he's lined up in the backfield, everything is downhill. He has a slithery style to him. They also put him out in the slot and use him on some of those fly sweeps, and I thought he caught the ball pretty well when he had the opportunities. You could see him catch balls outside of his frame."
Mattison led the Mountain West Conference with 1,415 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in 2018, becoming the first Boise State player to claim a conference rushing crown in school history.
But it was the final four games of the 2018 season that helped Mattison get on the map. He had 127 carries for 689 yards and seven touchdowns in four games to cap his college career.
That stretch included back-to-back 200-yard games in the final two games of the season against Utah State and Fresno State, respectively.
"It was just the right timing. We needed some things to happen, and I was able to put myself in a position to step up to the plate," Mattison said. "I told my coaches that I'd never shy away from anything, and I'm so grateful they were able to tell me they'd put the team on my back and give me these carries.
"Obviously, half the time I didn't realize how many carries I had during those games. It was amazing to get out there and play with my brothers and lay it all out on the line," Mattison added. "In order for us to be successful, I was going to have to do that."
A multi-sport athlete in high school, Mattison grew up in Southern California and was a league-champion wrestler as well as 110-meter hurdler in addition to starring on the gridiron.
He produced 2,829 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns in three seasons for Boise State, and now finds himself in Purple, and in a backfield that includes Dalvin Cook.
"I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to come in and go ahead and be anything the team needs me to be … special teams, offense … I'm willing to work and put in the work and am willing to contribute anyway that I can," Mattison said. "I'm just going to work my butt off. I'm looking forward to playing with Dalvin.
"I've watched him play, and I look up to how he runs and how he carries himself," Mattison added. "I can't wait to get in there and collaborate and make that backfield a dynamic duo."
Added Spielman: "We felt Mattison was just a unique back and a back that fit all our traits we were looking for, especially with the run game that we're going to have and the workhorse that he can be."
