Despite career lows in a number of key categories, Dalvin Cook is still considered one of the premier running backs in the NFL.
According to ESPN’s latest positional rankings, which have already proven questionable to say the least, the former Vikings running back is the eighth best running back in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.
The 27-year old free agent has been linked to several AFC East teams over the past month but has yet to sign with anyone just days ahead of teams reporting for Training Camp.
Cook once-again rushed for over 1,000-yards last season (1,173) but he saw his yards/attempt drop for the second straight season.
2020 – 5.0 rushing-yards/attempt
2021 – 4.7 rushing-yards/attempt
2022 – 4.4 rushing-yards/attempt
The article claims Cook was “productive” with his 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns but looking at the NFL’s Next Gen stats Cook had his rushing-yards over expected per attempt in all of the NFL last season at -0.16.
In English? That means Cook was one of a handful of running backs to get less than they should have out of their carries during the season.
While Cook certainly provided some explosive game-changing moments last season for the Vikings, there were enough down times that the Vikings front office felt comfortable eating a $5.1 million dead cap hit this year and a $3.1 million dead cap hit next season.
