The Minnesota Vikings drafted Florida State running back Dalvin Cook with pick No. 41 in the 2017 NFL draft. The Vikings signed Latavius Murray this offseason and lost Adrian Peterson. Cook and Murray are joined by Jerick McKinnon and a handful of spare parts.
2017 NFL draft results: Fantasy implications of Dalvin Cook to the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings drafted running back Dalvin Cook. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Cook is seen as one of the best running backs in the draft. His explosiveness and pass-catching ability made him the top rushing prospect on many scouting reports over the less versatile Leonard Fournette. He didn’t show well at the combine, but playing in a pro-style offense at Florida State gives him a terrific foundation for developing in the NFL.
Though talented, Cook’s durability and ball security skills are a major concern. He’ll also need to work on his pass protection skills to become a true three-down back.
Fantasy impact: Cook slipped to the second round due to various off-field concerns. Now that he is in the NFL, it would surprise nobody if he was the Vikings No. 1 running back by the end of the season. Murray might begin the season as starter, but with no guarantees after 2017, the free-agent signee is not viewed as the long-term answer in Minnesota.
Cook is not an RB1 yet due to Murray’s presence. However, he will get enough work to be a strong flex option and even a decent RB2. Cook will go higher than that even in basic redraft leagues because of the expectation that he supplants Murray as the starter. He is a great first-round pick in dynasty leagues, and in simpler keeper leagues, he is worth drafting as an RB2.
