Top 5 Running Backs in the 2017 NFL Draft

4. Dalvin Cook – 5’11″ 210 lbs. – Florida State

Cook was a five-star recruit and the no. 2 ranked RB in the nation coming into college, and he delivered on that hype during his time at Florida State.

Strengths:

Dalvin is the most naturally talented running back in the draft in terms of nuances of the position. He lanes, angles and defenders better than any other back in this class, and he is able to contort his body to give defenders little area to target.

Cook has the best wiggle I’ve seen in terms of once contact is made, he can work his way out of the tackle. He has the necessary second level burst to get up field, which helped lead to many of his big runs at Florida State.

He also has elite change of direction ability, and he can plant and go with ease. Cook reads his blocks perfectly on screen plays, and will certainly be a contributor on third down due to his receiving and blocking ability.

Weaknesses:

Cook needs to fix his ball security, as he fumbled the ball 13 times in his collegiate career. Along the theme of ball security, his hands are inconsistent.

If traffic gets muddy, he tends to try bounce outside when should just go north. His athletic testing at the combine is also worrisome, as are the three shoulder surgeries he has had, with both being affected. His play style plus his injury history may not warrant well in the NFL.

Overall:

Cook finished with my highest film grade but his combine testing and off-field stuff have dropped him down to fourth amongst the running backs.

There are some concerns if he’ll be able to make it to a second contract? Those concerns will make teams hesitate. But on the field and in terms of running ability, Cook is a first round talent.

NFL comparison: Edgerrin James

Film score: 83

Athleticism score: 5.6 (Below NFL average)

Final score: 76 (Round 1 or 2)