5 reasons why Dalvin Cook is better than Aaron Jones

Since 2017, Dalvin Cook has been a steadier option as a receiver out of the backfield.

This is an example of a comparison metric where the gulf between the players is somewhat minimal. Based on a raw film study or backyard pitch-and-catch, Cook and Jones would probably be equals. Both men are said to possess the exact same speed (both ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL combine) and both are heavily utilized within their offenses as pass-catchers.

But then the differences begin to ooze in.

Dalvin Cook has a catch percentage of 81.3% in his career. Since 2017, this makes him the fifth-best in the league in this regard (minimum 20 starts). Aaron Jones has a stark contrast in this metric with a 69.4% catch percentage, which ranks 33rd out of 38 qualifying tailbacks in the past three years. And at the seeding, eyebrows raise because this ranking is flat-out not very good.

The discrepancy in catch percentage likely explains why Cook has 914 receiving yards in 29 games while Jones has 702 receiving yards in 40 games. This is a 32 yards per game versus 18 yards per game split.

Both men are quite adept at receiving out of the backfield, but to date, Cook has been more steady and productive in this regard.