Minnesota Vikings select Dalvin Cook

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) warms up before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) warms up before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 41st-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Dalvin Cook, talented running back out of Florida State University.

This is going to be talked about well through the spring, into training camp and perhaps deep into the regular season. Cook is supremely talented and has a National Championship to his name with the Florida State Seminoles, but he also has some real baggage that isn’t going to disappear.

Among other things, Cook has been charged with misdemeanor battery, mistreatment of puppies, robbery, and other things. While one can argue that Cook can grow up and change, a pattern of events suggest that he will have a hard time staying out of trouble for any real length of time, especially with millions of dollars at his disposal.

Combine measurements

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 210
40-time: 4.49
Bench: 22 reps
Vertical: 30.5”
Broad: 116”
3-cone: 7.27

On the field, Cook’s talents are undeniable. Some would compare his running style to that of Jamaal Charles, who uses elite vision and burst to get through the hole and gain yards after contact. Cook is built low with 210 pounds on a 5-foot-10 frame, something that will help him between the tackles.

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While his combine performance left something to be desired, his three consecutive seasons of 1,000 rushing yards with 48 total touchdowns speak for themselves. If Cook can behave off the field, he stands to be one of the best players in this loaded class. If he can’t, he is simply another cautionary tale.