7. Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings

When he is healthy, Dalvin Cook could make an argument for being the most explosive back in football. Cook has mastered the art of reading his offensive line. The Vikings run zone as well as any team in the NFL.

While his intelligence and vision is one thing impressive by itself, what separates Cook from the rest of the pack is what he does once he finds that hole. Cook doesn’t hesitate, he bursts through gaps like he is shot out of a cannon. Cook’s instincts are Spider-Man level good.

Listen to how he explains some of his best runs in this breakdown with Brian Baldinger:

Instincts and vision are two of the most important traits for a quality running back. Cook’s ability to cut back on zone runs and take it to the house are what makes him such a threat. He can cut on a dime, turn up field, and be in the opposing secondary in a matter of seconds. His footwork rivals that of NFL legends.

Although Cook is a bit undersized at only 210 pounds, he brings a lot of fight. Cook’s hammer-not-nail philosophy could be a reason he has struggled with injury thus far in his career. However, that philosophy likely will not change, and it shouldn’t.

The best way to describe Cook’s running style is aggressively elegant. At one moment, Cook will be bouncing a run to the outside with gazelle-like grace. The next moment, he is lowering his shoulder into a safety or corner, knocking them back on their feet.

Dalvin Cook truly is a joy to watch, and he will be the focal point of the Vikings’ offense next season.