Dalvin Cook Will Be a Top-Five Back
Before the unfortunate injury, Dalvin Cook was on a tear. The second-round draft pick out of Florida State had first-round talent but questionable character allowing him to fall to the Vikings. His talent was on full display through the first four games of the 2017 season.
In those four games, Cook produced 354 rushing yards on just 74 carries for 4.8 yards per carry and two touchdowns. He was no slouch in the passing game either, hauling in 11 receptions on 16 targets for 90 yards. These numbers over the course of a 16-game season would equate to 1,416 yards rushing, eight touchdowns, 44 receptions, and 360 receiving yards.
These full-season projected numbers would have topped rushing leader Kareem Hunt’s 1,327 yards. The eight rushing touchdowns would have been good for sixth in the league as well.
The biggest question mark heading into this season is whether Cook is healthy after his ACL tear. Fortunately, all reports are supremely positive coming out of camp. Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator John DeFilippo had this to say earlier in the week.
"I didn't see any signs of him holding back. He really looks like he's trusting that knee. He's explosive. He's done a great job at pass protection." -John DeFilippo on @dalvincook#VikingsCamp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 31, 2018
As long as Cook stays healthy, I fully anticipate the Vikings relying on him consistently game in and game out to be their workhouse resulting in elite level production.
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