Why Riddick is a good fit
Dalvin Cook has to stay healthy in 2019. One way to make that possible is to limit his impact in the passing game.
Despite missing five games last season, he still caught 40 passes. Cook is a great impact with the ball in his hands and he can do some damage after the catch, but he takes extra hits.
Theo Riddick is one of the best satellite backs in the NFL. Throughout his career, Riddick has been more of a receiver than a running back out of the backfield.
He has 288 career rushing attempts and 285 receptions on 369 targets. His receiving yards far outweigh his rushing totals as well (2,238 receiving yards compared to 1,023 rushing yards). Riddick also has 14 career receiving touchdowns to add to his pass-catching ability.
Riddick has taken care of the ball so far during his NFL career. In six seasons, he has fumbled the ball just twice. In a backfield full of youth and uncertainty, the Vikings need a veteran presence.
Riddick would bring fresh legs and a threat in the passing game. With Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs set to dominate down the field, Kirk Cousins needs a safety net underneath. Riddick could be an incredible force in the Minnesota offense if given the chance. And for the fantasy football buffs out there, Riddick in purple would be a PPR fiend.
Riddick is not a star by any means, but his role in the offense is vital. He can impact the passing game from all over the field and his ability to create after the catch and shake defenders make him a dangerous weapon in the open field.