Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Dalvin Cook's passion for the game is evident when he takes the field on Sundays.
The running back spoke to media members last week and expressed excitement for being at Verizon Vikings Training Camp with his teammates.
"I love football; I love being around the guys," Cook said. "It's like a stress reliever for me, just being on the field, being around the guys, being in the locker room."
As the Vikings prepare for the 2020 season in the wake of an offseason altered drastically by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook is readying for his fourth campaign in Purple. There's no denying that he's among the league's top running backs – but where exactly does he rank?
Analytics site Pro Football Focus recently listed its top 25 running backs and ranked Cook seventh overall. PFF's Ben Linsey said he slated Cook a little lower because of the injuries he's navigated over his first three seasons. While durability is listed as a concern for Linsey, he wrote that Cook's "abilities on the field are another thing entirely."
The tackle-breaking show that he put on display at Florida State has certainly translated to the NFL. Cook'sforced missed tackle rateof 22.4 [percent] ranks fourth among 28 running backs with 500 or more touches over the past three seasons, and he has been an ideal fit in Minnesota's outside-zone scheme, showing rare ability to maintain speed in and out of his cuts. It's a big reason why his83.5 rushing gradeduring the regular season in 2019 was a top-three mark at the position. The biggest thing left to do is stay healthy and highlight that ability in a full season of action.
Ranked ahead of Cook by Linsey were, from 1-6, Christian McCaffrey (Panthers), Nick Chubb (Browns), Alvin Kamara (Saints), Saquon Barkley (Giants), Aaron Jones (Packers) and Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys).