The Minnesota Vikings first pick of the 2017 NFL Draft saw them go with a running back to boost their lackluster running game.
With their first selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select Florida State running back Dalvin Cook. The Vikings could have very well just found their long term option at running back.
Let's Cook! pic.twitter.com/8qeKR80zmm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 28, 2017
Cook rushed for over 1,000 yards in all three of his seasons at Florida State and is capable of being a three-down back. Last season, he gained a total of 2,253 yards and scored 20 touchdowns on 288 carries and 33 catches.
With the signing of Latavius Murray this offseason, Cook will not have to take on a full workload in 2016. But Jerick McKinnon’s touches could have just taken a blow.
The Vikings were absolutely atrocious when it came to running the ball in 2016 and they clearly made an emphasis on improving that aspect of their offense this offseason. Adding Cook will definitely add even more talent to their backfield for 2017.
Cook was regarded as a first-round talent but he slipped in the draft due to some character concerns. Hopefully Minnesota’s locker room will be able to keep him straight and out of trouble.
The Vikings were able to land Cook after agreeing on a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals and move from pick 48 to 41. For once, Mike Zimmer’s connections with his old team actually paid off.
CIN-MIN trade:
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 28, 2017
Vikings (D. Cook) gets 41st overall pick. Bengals get 48th overall pick and MIN 4th Rd pick (128th overall)
Next: Even with no option, Teddy could still stay with Vikings in 2018
Can Dalvin Cook become the next great running back for the Minnesota Vikings?