Philadelphia Eagles Draft: Dalvin Cook, A Potential Franchise Back
Continuing our extensive coverage of Philadelphia Eagles draft prospects, next up is a look at Florida State running back, Dalvin Cook.
Dalvin Cook has the makings of a franchise running back. During his career at Florida State, he accumulated 5,399 yards from scrimmage and 48 total touchdowns.
Cook would fill a need for the Philadelphia Eagles if he’s still on the board when they pick in the first round. Cook also adds a dynamic playmaker who is tailor made for Doug Pederson‘s offense.
Strengths
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Vision- Cook is often able to read his blockers and make one cut from gap to gap to break out a play. Against Clemson, he also used patience, much like current Steelers running Back Le’veon Bell, to watch the play develop and know to cut inside or outside of his primary blocker.
Speed and Acceleration- Cook runs his 40 in the high 4.4s to low 4.5s, which does not jump off the page as a speedster. But on film when Florida State would run sweeps and counter treys if Cook saw a hole it was obvious he when he switched into another gear as he got passed the second level. Like he does at the:20 mark of this video
There were a couple of runs where Cook was caught from behind, but for the most part, if he got passed the second level it was hard to catch him.
Receiving Ability- Cook’s biggest strength, in my opinion, is his ability for catch passes. Given the right matchup, Jimbo Fisher would even line Cook out as a wideout and let him burn whatever linebacker was matched up against him. Running backs who could create matchup nightmares out of the backfield wrecked havoc in the NFL. Watch how well Cook runs the wheel route at the 4:46 mark.
Bell and David Johnson were two of the top running backs in the NFL because they added a weapon in the passing game as well. Cook could have a similar impact if paired with Wentz.
Blocking and Blitz Pickup- One of the most underrated parts of being a running back is blitz pickup. Cook’s ability to read blitzes and stay involved in pass protection was lost in his highlight plays. Cook often put his body on the line to give his quarterback a few more seconds to look downfield.
Weaknesses
Ball Security- During his time at Florida State, ball security was something that plagued Cook. In his last two seasons, Cook fumbled the ball 7 times, 5 of which the Seminoles did not recover. Cook’s ball security problems seem to be because of mechanics and old habits. He holds the ball high, but sometimes with his elbow slightly out. Cook also does not cover the ball every time he his in a tight space. Ball security issues are often fixable with correct coaching, so Duce Staley would have to go to work with Cook.
Forcing Plays- Much like former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, Cook tries to make something out of nothing. He sometimes retreats looking for a hole instead of taking the minimal gain he would’ve earned. While he enjoyed some success with this tactic in college it is not something he should continue with the speed of NFL linebackers.
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Health- Cook’s scouting report will always have a red flag because of his shoulders. Cook has had two different surgeries on his right shoulder. While this has not hindered him from missing games in the season. The fact that it happened in the same shoulder is what is alarming. An all-clear from a specialist would put his durability question marks behind him.
Cook has potential to be a franchise-changing running back, especially in a system that is built around his strengths. If Cook is still on the board when the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock it would be hard to see them not selecting him.