2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
19. Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook, Running Back
Top Needs: RB, IOL, OT, DT
With Doug Martin -- who tanked this team’s running back Total NEP per play to sixth-worst in the league -- almost certain to be cut, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in desperate need of weapons. Florida State running back Dalvin Cook makes too much sense as a fit to pass up.
Cook’s field vision is incredible, and his quickness allows him to cut back across the entire field. He saves a second gear for turning the corner and the straightaway races, but a compact 5’11”, 215-pound frame makes him not the best inside runner. Another big issue is his hands, which are inconsistent in both ball security and receiving.
Among the 60 FBS running backs with at least 200 touches this year, Cook’s all-purpose yards per touch were fifth-most (7.02). He was top-25 in both rushing yards per attempt (6.13) and rushing touchdown rate (6.60 percent) despite an incredible workload of 288 rushing attempts -- the seventh-most among FBS running backs.
