2017 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers steal impact defensive prospect
. Running Back. Florida State. Dalvin Cook. 8. player. 46
Two running backs in the top 10? Are we in the 1990s? The running back position has been devalued in recent years, but there is no denying the talent at the position in this class.
Andrew Luck is an incredible talent at the quarterback position. That being said, the Colts have not done a very good job of surrounding him with enough talent to succeed. Adding an impact offensive lineman here would be ideal, but it would undoubtedly be a reach.
Instead, I could see the Colts looking to help Luck in another way. Dalvin Cook is arguably the best running back prospect in this loaded class. He is an extremely explosive and elusive back who is going to make a difference at the next level.
Cook has big-time home run ability that consistently shows up on tape. It does not take much for him to get a crease and take it to the house. He is an extremely dependable runner who makes the most out of his opportunities.
Cook’s combination of speed and quickness out of the backfield is unrivaled in this class. In fact, he will immediately become one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL once he gets drafted.
On top of that, Cook is a fantastic receiver out of the backfield. He shows soft hands and always seems to get open when his teams needs him the most. Add in him being a great pass protector for the position and whoever takes Cook will also get a big-time contributor in the passing game.
Cook is not an extremely powerful runner. He is not an ideal short yardage back, as he sometimes struggles to pick up yardage on the inside. That being said, his ability to break one at any time makes it more than worth it to stick with him.
An athletic freak with massive upside, Cook would undoubtedly be a huge playmaker for the Colts.