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Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook named NFC North rising star by ESPN

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a five yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a five yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Dalvin Cook made a big impression as a rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings but ESPN believes the running back is a rising star for the 2018 season.

When the Minnesota Vikings used a second-round draft pick on Dalvin Cook during the 2017 NFL Draft, the team knew they were getting a dynamic running back who could change a football game when the ball is in his hands.

Cook proved this his value to the Vikings running game during his rookie season by averaging 4.8 yards per catch and 8.2 yards per catch during his first 4 games with the franchise, adding two touchdowns

Sadly, a devastating knee injury ended his rookie campaign during Week 4 of the 2017 season. There is no saying what impact his presence could have had on the team’s playoff run, but his play could have been a huge asset to Minnesota, especially during the NFC Championship Game.

In fact, the potential of Dalvin Cook was discussed in a recent article on the ESPN website when reporters representing all four NFC North teams shared their pick for who is the rising star in the division.

Vikings reporter Courtney Cronin and Rob Demovsky of the Packers both said that Dalvin Cook is the man to watch this year with each giving some great reasons to keep an eye on the young running back.

Cronin believes Cook will be among the league’s leading rushers and perhaps a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.

"“While quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the focus of the offseason, Cook’s triumphant return this fall will play a major role in Minnesota’s success.”"

Related Story: 15 best Vikings first round picks of all time

Meanwhile, Demovsky drew comparisons to a former Minnesota running back who took over many games during his time with the Vikings.

"“He offered a glimpse as a rookie before tearing his ACL four weeks into the season. Up to that point, he was doing his best Adrian Peterson impersonation.”"

The representative for the Bears chose running back Tarik Cohen, another dynamic player entering his second season while the Lions reporter didn’t seem to understand what ‘rising star’ means and chose well-established cornerback Darius Slay.

These ESPN reporters are smart to recognize the talent that Dalvin Cook brings to the Minnesota Vikings and how much of an impact he can make on the team when he is healthy with the football in his hands.

Next: Predicting the Vikings 2018 record

Do you think Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings is the biggest rising star in the NFC North or is there another talented player fans should be keeping their eyes on during the 2018 NFL season? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.

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