After just two weeks of training camp practice, former Florida State star Dalvin Cook has been named the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back — at least for now.
On their first depth chart of the season, the Vikings list rookie Dalvin Cook as their starting RB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2017
On Thursday, the Vikings will head to Buffalo for their first preseason tilt — and Cook has been penciled in the No. 1 spot in the backfield on the team's depth chart. This shouldn't be a shocker. Latavius Murray just crawled off the PUP list and Jerick McKinnon will always feel like a decent stop-gap guy but there's a limited ceiling for him.
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There have been glowing reports coming out of camp about Cook and it's safe to say we will see him for at least a series or two on Thursday. Just look at some of the praise after just two weeks — from well-respected minds with solid football acumen.
– "Dalvin Cook's proving what we already knew. Special. Just needed to see it in pads. Won't be long until he's RBI on game day," J.R. Reid, NFL Draft Scout
– "I'll give you two guys to watch in Minnesota. 1) Dalvin Cook 2) Danielle Hunter, described to me as "ridiculous." – Albert Breer, SI MMQB
– "You might want to keep your eye on Dalvin Cook. He might be the hybrid RB that changes the game for the Vikings," Bucky Brooks, NFL Network
I've always thought former Florida State star could emerge as one of — if not the sole — top player from the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Vikings may have struck gold with @dalvincook! pic.twitter.com/aNou5dHgw1
— Vikings Outlet (@VikesOutlet) August 4, 2017
He's explosive and shifty. He's patient enough — but hits a next-level burst that's impossible to contain. Cook has had a few hiccups and brushes with trouble like many kids who grew up in tough areas, but it was absurd to see him fall to the second round back in April. He's just too good, and one of those players you can just watch and understand quickly how he separates himself from other running backs.
I'm also comfortable saying while I don't personally know Cook — it's been obvious his Vikings' coaches and teammates have been impressed with his character and work-ethic just as much as his raw skill.
On their first depth chart of the season, the Vikings list rookie Dalvin Cook as their starting RB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2017
CBS NFL writer Will Brinson recently published a piece outlining Cook's versatility and skill set as it pertains to the Vikings' offense. Brinson believes Minnesota offensive coordinator Pat Shurmer has been starving for a back with outside speed — so it's a match made in heaven.
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"Minnesota probably won't get back to the power run formations that defined Peterson's tenure, but they don't need to," Brinson said. "Cook, who has no interest in comparing himself to Adrian Peterson, is actually a better fit for what Pat Shurmur wants to run than Peterson himself."
This quickness and ability to stop on a dime to cut is a thing of beauty — and that's just one facet of his game.
Dalvin Cook film — Good rep here vs. Clemson. Watch the quick jump cut. And the finish for a TD. pic.twitter.com/lcTG2aLuqq
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 26, 2017
While Cook's strengths as a runner immediately pop in really any highlight reel you can find from FSU — it's his versatility and prospect as a pass-catcher that really sweetens the pot. In today's NFL landscape — a reliable receiver out of the backfield is a must. It would be tough for any RB to win offensive ROY if he didn't thrive in both areas, but while all of the recent hype has been swirling around Christian McCaffrey in Carolina (and that's warranted), Cook has just been quietly going to work and preparing himself for a monster season.
Just watch.
