College Football

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:03 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Erik Lambert/FanSided via NFL Mocks

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) outruns Clemson linebacker Korrin Wiggins (15) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook is considered one of the top running backs in college football. Is that enough to get him into the 1st round of the 2017 NFL draft?

Position: RB

School: Florida State

Year: Junior

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 213

History:

Cook was born in Miami, Florida. He went to high school there, starring in both football and track. After starring as a sprinter, he was rated a five-star recruit and one of the best all-purpose running backs in the nation. A small controversy was caused though when he seemed to commit to the University of Florida, even doing the Gator Chomp in public. Then at the last second flipped to Florida State.

STRENGTHS:

This is precisely what will make coaches salivate in the NFL. Cook is a true home run threat. He shows his vision to see the hole and find the blocks, then the explosive acceleration and wide open speed to get through the second level before the defense can react. A creative coach will search for ways to put the ball in his hands where he can use those traits and create big plays.

WEAKNESSES:

Up to this point not a lot was going right for Cook or Florida State. They’re behind by 18 and just trying to get back in the ball game. Finally Cook gets an opening for an easy touchdown. Sometimes though when a player is expecting to get tackled or hit and then it doesn’t happening, his body can unclench and it impacts how they hold the ball, hence this bad fumble. Cook has to work on his concentration.

Pro Comparison:  Chris Johnson

Cook isn’t quite as fast as CJ2K was, but he’s close enough. He also has the same freakish agility and vision that can make for such a deadly combination that defenses grow to fear. As a runner or a receiver, you get the guy in space where it’s one-on-one? It’s over. The results are often a long touchdown and plenty of time on the sideline trying to figure out a different way to stop him.

Projection:  1st Round

Dalvin Cook is the modern NFL type of back. He can do everything on the field from running to catching passes. A true do-it-all player that an offense can build around. It’s hard imagining teams allowing that caliber of talent lasting beyond the top 32. Somebody won’t be able to resist.

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