Washington Redskins: 5 First-Round Options To Watch At 2017 NFL Combine
2. Dalvin Cook, RB – Florida State
Remember the narrative from years back when running backs were being phased out and no one would use a first-round pick on them? Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliot have flipped that narrative with outstanding rookie seasons the last two years after both were chosen in the top 10. Now the running back position is back in vogue and this happens to be one of the deeper running back classes in recent memory.
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While most analysts have Leonard Fournette at the top of the list, Dalvin Cook could end up being the best back in this draft. He’s the type of player who can change the game on one play. He’s a dynamic runner capable of breaking the big play every time he touches the ball. He’s a three-down back because he is a good receiver out of the backfield. Cook can dominate defenders if he gets them one-on-one in space.
The concern with Cook is a few off-field incidents (per Fox Sports)—although he was cleared of any wrongdoing. Cook had an incident with a BB gun, an arrest for battery and he was also cited for mistreatment of animals. So any team that drafts Cook will check into his background to make sure these things aren’t a pattern. Cook’s also had shoulder surgery, too, so teams will certainly put him through a battery of tests to make sure that isn’t a recurring injury. That makes both his medicals and interviewing at the Combine critical.
Cook could take Washington’s offense to another level if selected. The Redskins started undrafted rookie Robert Kelley last season, and while Kelley proved solid, he doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer at the position. Kelley gets only the yards that are blocked for him and rarely creates anything on his own. As he should show at the Combine with his burst and vision in drills, Cook can do much more.
All told, Cook could easily go in the top 10, but he could also slide down the board a bit. If the Redskins address some defensive areas in free agency, Cook could very well be in play for the Skins with the 17th pick.