Dalvin Cook

When evaluating the running back position, there are two main criteria that translate to the NFL: can you navigate and can you create? And Cook is above average in both areas. He has excellent patience to allow his blockers to do their job and then times his burst to maximize each run. If defenses give him a crease, he has the vision to find openings and athletic gifts to explode through them, making it look easy due to his feet, balance and spatial awareness. Cook is a dynamic rusher and receiver, but his inconsistency in pass protection and ball security need improved and NFL doctors will need to sign off on his shoulders before a team uses a high pick on him. A two-year starter, Cook is arguably the best running back Florida State has ever produced with the two best rushing seasons in school history the past two years, leaving the Seminoles atop most rushing records. The former "Mr. Football" in the state of Florida set a new school rushing record as a sophomore with 1,691 yards on 229 carries (7.9 average) and 19 touchdowns, earning First Team All-American and All-ACC honors. Cook broke his own single season rushing record as a junior with 1,765 yards on 288 carries and 19 touchdowns to again earn First Team All-American and All-ACC honors. He elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL Draft. As long as the medical staff and front office are comfortable with his long-term durability, Cook should be the first running back drafted in the 2017 class, although his final grade isn't as high as Ezekiel Elliott's a year ago.

strengths

Explosive lower body and coordinated feet to start, stop and redirect quickly. Elusive athlete and can make defenders miss in a phone booth, showing exceptional body control and instincts in his jump cuts. Senses his surroundings well and anticipates spacing in his runs. Quick to read blocks and sets up his moves with patience and feel. Runs balanced with a low center to escape tackle attempts. Runs with better-than-expected toughness between the tackles to blow through arm tackles. Flashes a fifth gear once he hits the second level to breeze past defenders - 10 career runs of 50+ yards. Above average ballskills as a pass-catcher (79 career catches) due to his hand-eye coordination and hands. Elite production with 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his three seasons in Tallahassee to finish with 4,464 rushing yards, breaking Warrick Dunn's career rushing mark. Finishes No. 2 all-time on the ACC rushing list. Nose for the end zone, holding the school-record with 46 rushing touchdowns.

nfl comparison

Marshall Faulk -- It is unfair to compare a college prospect to a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but stylistically the comp fits for Cook. Who knows what type of NFL resume Cook will accumulate and if it will come close to Faulk's storied career. But the on-field talent is similar from the size to the athleticism and the versatility to be an offensive weapon.

weaknesses

Lacks ideal body armor to be a consistent hammer. Not the type of power back who will drop his pads and move bodies with leg drive. Ball security concerns with 12 fumbles the past three seasons (six in 2016), averaging one every 63.8 touches on offense. Willing blocker in pass protection, but makes too many mistakes due to inconsistent timing, technique and awareness. Will have the occasional drop, focusing on the run after the catch instead of the catch. Teams will question whether or not he can take consistent NFL punishment and stay durable long-term. History of shoulder issues, including surgery to repair a torn labrum on the back side of his right shoulder (April 2016), front side of his right shoulder (March 2014) and front side of his left shoulder in high school.

Enrolled at Florida State in January 2014

held five-star rankings from both Rivals and 247Sports and a four-star mark by ESPN

rated the No. 1 prospect in Florida, the No. 2 running back in the nation and the overall No. 13 prospect by 247Sports in 2014 recruiting class

also ranked in the national Top 25 by Rivals (No. 18) and ESPN (No. 21)

named 2013 Mr. Florida Football by Florida Dairy Farmers Association

rushed for Miami-Dade County-best 1,940 yards and 24 touchdowns on 177 carries (11.0 yards per rush) and intercepted three passes on defense in 2013

led Miami Central to the Class 6A state championship by rushing for 223 yards and four touchdowns in a 52-7 win over Seffner Armwood

finished his prep career rushing for 4,267 yards and 64 touchdowns, while leading Miami Central to a 52-5 record

rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in 2014 Under Armour All-America Game

USA Today All-USA Football Team

247Sports Second Team All-American

two-time All-State Class 6A First Team

invited to “The Opening”, an all-star summer prospect camp held on the Nike Campus

attended same high school as former Nole and current Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman

selected Florida State over Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Miami.

Born August 10, 1995

majoring in social science.

2016

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
6.1	19.0	1765.0	288.0	75.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
33.0	14.8	1.0	59.0	488.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	4.0	6.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

2015

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
7.4	19.0	1691.0	229.0	94.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
24.0	10.2	1.0	36.0	244.0