Scouting The 2017 NFL Draft: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

Introduction

Hometown: Miami, Florida

High School: Miami (FL) Central

Recruitment: 5 Stars

Awards

2015/2016 First-team All-American

2015 Jim Brown Award

2015/2016 First-team All-ACC

2014 ACC Champion

2014 ACC Championship Game MVP

Florida State Single Season Rushing Yards Leader

Florida State Career Rushing Yards Leader

Measurables

Height: 5'11

Weight: 213 lb's

Class: Junior

Projected 40: 4.46

Statistics

2016: 288 rushes, 1765 yards, 19 touchdowns, 33 receptions, 488 yards, 1 TD

2015: 229 rushes, 1691 yards, 19 touchdowns, 24 receptions, 244 yards, 1 TD

2014: 170 rushes, 1008 yards, 8 touchdowns, 22 receptions, 203 yards, 0 TD

Positives

• Extremely productive in college.
• Fights for every single yard, tough with the ball in his hands.
• Good acceleration and open field speed.
• Excellent patience to let blocks develop and holes to open.
• Excellent cutting ability, and very quick feet.
• High football IQ and reads the game very well.
• Plays with excellent balance.
• Very good stiff-arm to ensure maximum yardage, punished sloppy tacklers.
• 3 down back who shows soft hands when catching out the backfield.
• Creates his own yards on the inside and perimeter.
• Developed a reputation as a big-game player in college.
• Can play and excel in any blocking system.

Negatives

• Accused of misdemeanour battery in 2015. Found not guilty.
• Has had some fumbling issues (6 in 2016)
• Pass protection needs some work, doesn't use leverage.
• Doesn't always carry the ball properly which leads to fumbles.
• Can be caught from behind on occasions, doesn't have elite speed.

Conclusion

If anyone watched the Florida State/Michigan game last night, you would have got a good look at Cook. He torched the Wolverines for 145 yards and 1 touchdown on just 20 carries (7.3 yard average), he also caught 3 passses for 62 yards (20.7 average). Cook is one of the best players in college football and personally I see him as a true 3 down back in the NFL. His pass protection needs a little work, but his ability to create yards and be patient with his blockers, while also showing soft hands out of the backfield make him a top 10 selection. He's the epitome of a game-changer, and a player that any fan base can get excited about heading into 2017. He has explosive talent without having explosive speed, the Jets should take a long hard look at him, and I personally would love to see him on the Jets next year.

Draft Round Prediction: Round 1 (Top 10)