5 questions about Vikings RB Dalvin Cook with FanSided’s FSU site
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings used their second round pick on Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, but what should fans know about this rookie coming into 2017?
With the Minnesota Vikings not having a first round draft pick available in the 2017 NFL Draft, the team made their first selection in round 2, where they traded up to choose Florida State running back Dalvin Cook at #41 overall.
While some fans may be very familiar with what Cook brings to the Vikings, others have flocked to YouTube or draft experts to find out more about what kind of player he is. Since FanSided is an amazing network of sports fans, we reached out to Kelvin Hunt at Chop Chat to see how someone who has watched him play for years feels he will fare with the Vikings.
We asked Mr. Hunt 5 questions about the Vikings second round draft pick here is what he believes fans of Minnesota need to know about the player who could be the future of the running back position for the team:
1) What are some of the positive things that Dalvin Cook will bring to the Minnesota Vikings?
“There are a lot of positives I could mention. He’s a guy that will go to war with his teammates. He played hurt a number of times at FSU and evolved into one of the teams vocal leaders even though he’s quiet by nature. Most of all, he’s a guy that can change the numbers on the scoreboard.
It’s not uncommon for him to go on runs of 3, 5, 2, 3, 4, and then break off a run for a 70 yard touchdown. He runs just as hard in the fourth quarter as the first, just look at the 3 and 22 run against Michigan in the Orange Bowl. Him playing in the Orange Bowl should tell you all you need to know about how he’ll play for his teammates.”
2) Are there any major reasons the team should be concerned about this pick, on or off the field?
“Not really. The only valid concerns I had were related to the surgeries he had on his shoulders. However, I’m not concerned with anything off the field. All of the documented incidents happened when he was much younger and immature. The incident involving him allegedly hitting a female proved to be false and he was vindicated in like 30 minutes.
He has been nothing but a great player and ambassador the FSU program. Also, he recently became a new father, so I’m sure that has also influenced how important decisions are in the future.”
3) Overall, what kind of player did the Vikings get in the second round by selecting Cook?
“The Vikings got a steal in the second round. They have the most complete running back in the draft. The biggest home run threat, a guy that can run between the tackles, or bounce it outside and get around the corner. He’s exciting to watch and elusive in open space. Also, he’s a very capable pass catcher out of the backfield or even split out wide from time to time.”
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4) What are some things about Cook that Minnesota fans might not know, but should?
“Cook is the all-time leader rusher at FSU, rushing for over 1,000 yards all three years. He’s the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (46), and also the single season record holder for rushing yards (1,765), Cook is also No. 2 in ACC history for rushing yards(in only three seasons). The last two years at FSU have been even more impressive when you consider quarterback play was average and teams knew they had to stop Cook to beat FSU and couldn’t do it.
The bigger the game, the better Dalvin Cook played. He routinely torched the better teams FSU played against each year.”
5) Do you feel Cook will succeed at the professional level with the Vikings?
“As long as Dalvin can stay healthy and the Minnesota offensive line is decent coupled with a decent passing game, he’ll be successful. He was one of the best running backs coming out of high school and is the best running back coming out of college, so there’s no reason to think that progression won’t carry over in the NFL.”
Next: Vikings draft pick grades and analysis
Huge thanks go out to Kelvin Hunt of Chop Chat for taking the time to talk with us about Dalvin Cook and what he brings to the Minnesota Vikings. For even more great material on Cook from Chop Chat, be sure to check out the 3 reasons he should have been the top running back drafted this year.