Dalvin Cook, running back, Florida State
It seems opinion vary pretty dramatically when it comes to Cook, who was undeniably one of the best running backs in the nation the past few seasons. The FSU product racked up 5,399 yards from scrimmage and 48 total touchdowns in three years with the Seminoles (40 coming the past two years), showing off a potent combination of power rushing, receiving prowess and home run speed when he got an open lane.
So why would Cook be mentioned among those who could take a huge tumble on draft day? There are two key reasons, and either one all by itself could be cause for NFL personnel folks to decide against risking their necks to take Cook early.
First off, his health is a big red flag. He battled through a hamstring injury for most of the 2015 season and has had multiple shoulder injuries, which have resulted in three separate surgeries since high school for the running back.
Secondly, and perhaps even more concerning for NFL general managers, Cooks’ off-field character has been questioned by many since the pre-draft process began.
.@SABmetrics Dalvin Cook has: BB gun incident, battery arrest (not guilty), cited for mistreatment of animals.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 9, 2017
.@jords_mac It's a big deal to me when a player has multiple arrests in their background, even if acquitted. Still a pattern.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 9, 2017
One of the arrests Matt Miller is referring to stems from a 2015 incident in which Cook allegedly punched a woman, though he was later found to be not guilty.
Running backs have typically been valued far less in recent years than other skill positions. Given the fact that Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey are likely going to be first-round picks, and given Cook’s red flags, it won’t be surprising at all if he falls well into the second round.