Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 213 pounds
Team: Florida State Seminoles
Dalvin Cook 2017 NFL Draft Profile
Dalvin Cook was, hands down, one of the most explosive players in college football over his three seasons at Florida State. Many games he provided the only offense for a Seminoles team that struggled moving the ball vertically. Although he lacks the hardware of a D’onta Foreman or a Christian McCaffrey, Cook still managed to leave Florida State as the school’s all time leading rusher. He also racked up 1st Team All-American honors in 2015 and 2016.
Cook, a Miami native, made headlines early when he decided to flip his commitment from Florida to rival Florida State calling the move a “business decision.” He enrolled at Florida State shortly thereafter and by the end of the year Cook became the first freshman in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards. He burst on to the scene in his first career start against Syracuse where he rushed for 122 yards on 23 carries and never looked back. Cook finished the year by winning the ACC Championship Game MVP award after torching Georgia Tech with 220 total yards and one touchdown.
His sophomore campaign started with turmoil after being charged with battery. He was found not guilty and was able to resume play in time for the season opener. Although he struggled with hamstring and ankle injuries throughout the season, Cook still managed to break Warrick Dunn’s single season rushing record. He racked up 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground and was awarded the Jim Brown Award.
Cook followed up his stellar sophomore year with yet another record breaking campaign in his junior year. Not only did he extend the school’s single season mark to 1,765 yards but he also broke the school’s all time rushing record, amassing 4,464 yards during his time in Tallahassee.
Strengths
- Explosiveness
- Reliable pass catcher
- Big play ability
- Ball carrier vision
- Agility
Weaknesses
- Durability
- Has struggled with ball security
- Needs to work on pass protection technique and efficiency
- Lacks the size to be a traditional power back
- Needs ideal blocking to reach next level, not adept at creating his own holes between the tackles
NFL Comparison: Jamaal Charles
Teams with a Need at Position: Carolina, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Minnesota
Projection: Mid first round
Bottom Line
It is no secret that Leonard Fournette is the darling of this running back class. However, given his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, Cook is by far the most complete back available. Like McCaffrey, Cook will be a fantasy owner’s dream with his ability to make plays in the passing game.
Cook still has some growing to do before he can be an every down, feature back but, he can provide an excellent change of pace immediately. Pairing Cook with the right bruiser and a team could very easily recreate Atlanta’s production with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
Cook should not have to wait too long before he his name is called in April’s draft. Nevertheless there are two factors that will determine where he will fall. First is how quickly Fournette’s name comes off the board. After that, it depends on whether teams stick with need or the best player available. That being said, expect Cook to fall to the Philadelphia Eagles at 14 or the Indianapolis Colts at 15.
