Florida State’s Dalvin Cook selected by Vikings in 2017 NFL Draft

Dalvin Cook should have and could have landed in a better fantasy spot, but he has the talent to pry the job away from Latavius Murray.

Florida State running back Dalvin Cook wound up falling to the Minnesota Vikings in the second round. Cook was a consensus top 3 ranked running back coming out of college and had been considered the best RB prospect by numerous scouts, including our own CJay. Unlike Leonard Fournette, Cook possesses more skills to be a true three-down back thanks to his receiving skills out of the backfield.

Is this a good fantasy football fit?

It’s good on one hand that Dalvin Cook is the clear third down back in Minnesota, but on the other hand he will get vultured on the regular by Latavius Murray. Murray caps Cook’s touchdowns and goal line chances. One thing that is a positive though, is that “Captain Checkdown” Sam Bradford will be checking down early and often to the former Seminole. Never want to root for an injury by any means, but if Murray happened to miss a few games, Cook could steal all three downs. Overall, it’s a meh fantasy football fit.

Cook’s Combine Analysis

Cook did well with his 40 time as he clocked in at 4.49 seconds. The 40-yard dash is the most scrutinized test of the combine and Cook sure passed this one. Where he really shined though was on the bench press. With 22 reps, Cook was the top performer at his position showcasing his strength. Had Fournette participated in this event, he may have come out on top but nonetheless Cook was the combines top performer on the bench press.

As for the rest of the events, Cook seemingly under performed. Between the vertical jump (30.5), broad jump (908), shuttle (4.53) and 3 cone (7.27), Cook struggled with all of those compared to others. Granted, these low scores won’t be keeping Cook out of the first round as he’s destined to hear his name called on Day 1. Combine stats are more likely to damage lower ranked prospects and players who are long shots to make the NFL. Studs like Cook just dust off their shoulders and keep on moving.

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How good was Cook in college?

Cook came into Florida State as the #3 ranked RB (technically 4th with Alabama’s Bo Scarborough classified as an “athlete”) in the nation. He earned the starting job his rookie year over former Buffalo Bill and laughing stock Karlos Williams. The Seminoles had just lost star running back Devonta Freeman to the NFL so the position was open for the taking. Cook responded with 1,008 yards and 8 touchdowns while splitting carries with Williams. Because of Williams’ size and goal line abilities, he promptly vultured 11 touchdowns on the year. In his sophomore year, Cook had the backfield all to himself and responded with a great season in Tallahassee. On 229 carries Cook recorded 1,691 yards with 19 scores, which included breaking former Seminole great Warrick Dunn’s single season rushing record. Junior year was pretty similar to the numbers Cook put up as a sophomore, with increases in rushing yards and more of an impact in the receiving game. A final line of 1,765 yards and 19 touchdowns solidified that Cook was ready to go pro. Cook left Florida State as the school’s all time leading rusher, breaking Dunn’s career total.

Ultimate Dalvin Cook Highlights | HD

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  • THE Inaugural 2016 RSJ Fantasy Football League Champion. Owner of a #bigbrain, and lover of football, baseball and college hoops. When not grinding for the RSJ, can be found captaining his beer league softball team.

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