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Minnesota Vikings: Predicting individual awards for 2019

By Luke Parrish

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Stefon Diggs #14 after a 26 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Stefon Diggs #14 after a 26 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball for a 21 yard touchdown, his second of the day, in the fourth quarter of them game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Most Improved: Dalvin Cook

If he can stay healthy, this should be a huge season for Dalvin Cook. Cook has missed more games than he’s played thus far in his career. With a replenished offensive line, Cook can hopefully stay on the field and maximize his talent this time around. He finished last season with 920 yards from scrimmage but just four touchdowns in 11 games.

The Vikings traded up in the second round in 2017 to go get Cook coming out of Florida State. They eventually have to make him a larger part of the offense. Gary Kubiak is now on staff as an offensive assistant. He is highly regarded as a run-game guru because of his focus on the outside zone run scheme.

His game plan will get Cook the ball with room to create. Kevin Stefanski is now the permanent offensive coordinator. His first game as the interim offensive coordinator saw Cook have his best game of the season. A full year of that will bring out the best of the third-year pro.

We cannot discuss Cook’s success without noting the new offensive line. Garrett Bradbury was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft back in April. He will immediately start at center and slide Pat Elflein over to left guard. Add Brian O’Neill to the mix and the Vikings have a very athletic offensive line to pave the way.

Cook should have a lot of open lanes and screen opportunities in 2019. This will be his best season by a long shot.

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