2017 NFL Draft: Florida State Dalvin Cook Scouting Report

Florida State’s Dalvin Cook is an explosive running back who has had a great college career.

Dalvin Cook is a home-run threat who features quick-twitch ability and a good second gear. He’s at his most effective when there’s an obvious running lane where he can quickly get north and south. There are some holes in his game that will hurt his overall draft stock.

The biggest concern with Cook is his lack of size and bulk. He’s a smaller back who lacks the bulk evaluators like to see in order to feel more comfortable about durability. Cook’s lack of size results in problems picking up yards after contact.

He doesn’t have the ability to consistently break tackles or work in the middle of the field. Cook is often brought down by initial contact which means he needs a strong offensive line to be highly productive. His size is also a problem when it comes to protecting the quarterback.

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Cook can’ anchor in pass protection and is often driven a few yards backwards. He also tends to throw blocks with his shoulders and forearm rather than using his hands. His struggles as a blocker will make it tough for him to be on the field in passing situations.

This is an issue because one of his better attributes is his ability to work as a receiver out of the backfield. Cook does a good job catching the ball away from his frame and exploding up field. He’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball.

Cook is obviously an explosive athlete who can produce big plays. However, his lack of size and the fact he’s more of a straight-line runner could be an issue. He isn’t the type of back who’ll make people miss or can be described as elusive.

Typically, we see running backs featuring Cook’s small stature able to quickly change direction and avoid tacklers. This isn’t the case with Cook whose feet can be slow at times as he looks to work to the open running lane.

Current Draft Status: 3^rd Round

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