Minnesota Vikings rookie Dalvin Cook predicted to be a top 5 running back

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King has high expectations for Minnesota Vikings rookie Dalvin Cook, stating that he will be a top 5 running back by Halloween.

Now that the NFL is halfway through the period of time where the Super Bowl ended and the next regular season starts, experts are throwing out predictions as to what will happen during the 2017, and the Minnesota Vikings are no exception to these forecasts.

Recently, Monday Morning Quarterback regular on Sports Illustrated Peter King offered up his offseason power rankings. He had the Vikings at #16 as a middle of the pack team, but there was something much more interesting in the piece.

One of the biggest positives for Minnesota was listed as the addition of Dalvin Cook, who he feels will allow more versatility in the run game.

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"“Additions: Two big ones, and both running backs: Latavius Murray (free agency, Oakland) and Dalvin Cook (second round, Florida State) will modernize the running game with youth, and in Cook’s case, provide more versatility than the Vikings fielded out of the backfield”"

But King wasn’t done there. He went on to talk about the signing of Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, departures of Matt Kalil and Adrian Peterson as well as Sam Bradford getting a full offseason with the team. But he ended his blurb on the Vikings with one more big praise for Dalvin Cook.

"“Vikings prediction in 10 words or less: By Halloween, Cook will be a top-five NFL back.”"

For a rookie entering a split with newly acquired veteran Latavius Murray and explosive holdover Jerick McKinnon, it may be hard for him to find touches early on. However, that doesn’t mean that Cook can’t make the most of his opportunities and earn more playing time…and maybe even becoming a top-five running back by then.

Next: Cook discusses his high expectations

What do you think of Peter King’s prediction for Dalvin Cook? Do you think he will be a top-five running back this season? Or do you feel he will need more time to be eased into a bigger role with the Minnesota Vikings? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.