Former FSU standout running back Dalvin Cook made his first Pro Bowl in 2019 and believes he’s the best running back in the NFL.
Dalvin Cook battled injuries his first two seasons in the NFL, appearing in just 15 games. However, his third year was a charm as he played and started in 14 games on his way to his first Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings.
He was top 10 in virtually every category from rushing attempts, rushing yards, touchdowns, runs for first down, and average rushing yards per game.
He’s shown what he’s capable of when healthy and is looking for a long-term extension with the Vikings. According to a recent interview, he feels he’s the best running back in the NFL:
From today's paper, #Vikings RB Dalvin Cook says he's the "best back" in the NFL and wants to remain "long term" in Minnesota. The Vikings are in talks to potentially sign him to a long-term extension. https://t.co/sGb1u9m3Mn
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 10, 2020
Thoughts
If Cook can stay healthy and play in all of the games, he’d be in the discussion for sure. There’s no question Cook can do it all as he says, run between the tackles, be a threat in the receiving game, and does well in pass protection.
However, when it comes to raw stats, there are probably a couple of other running backs who can lay claim to the best running back in the NFL. Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, and Christian McCaffrey come to mind who’d argue for the title.
However, the most important thing is Cook securing his second contract in the league. That’s where he’ll make his real money, much like former FSU running back Devonta Freeman in 2018 when he signed his second deal making him the highest paid running back in the NFL at the time.
Cook will turn 25 years old right before the regular season begins(if things go back to normal), which means he has a lot of treads left on the tires and could get a third deal if everything goes well.