NFL Power Rankings 2020: Ranking every starting running back

7. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

Cook built a legacy for himself at Florida State. The former Seminole finished in the top ten for Heisman voting twice, and he broke a significant number of school records. Cook’s 4,464 rushing yards, 46 rushing touchdowns, and 5,399 yards from scrimmage are all records that surpassed even the legendary Warrick Dunn’s totals.

Minnesota jumped on Cook when he fell to 41st overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Cook averaged 88.5 rushing yards per game as a rookie before landing on injured reserve after four appearances. Cook played in 11 games in 2018 but never found his rhythm. Then, the former Heisman candidate caught fire last season.

In 14 starts, Cook amassed 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. He also added 519 yards in the passing game, giving him 1,654 yards from scrimmage, the seventh-most in the NFL. However, fans still wonder if Cook can stay healthy in the long run. He’s got the talent, but Cook’s injury history is frightening.

Sources recently told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Cook will no longer participate in team activities until he and the Vikings reach a contract extension. Cook’s rookie deal ends after the 2020 season. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cook’s holdout stems from a disagreement over his new deal. Fowler told ESPN’s SportsCenter,

"I’m told he’s planning to hold out simply because he felt, quote, disrespected by the offer that the Vikings put on the table. This is a player that believes he’s one of the best at his position, but he wasn’t asking for Christian McCaffrey money, which is $16 million per year. He would probably take less than that."

If Cook does not report to camp and possibly even holds out into the season, Minnesota will turn to backup running back, Alexander Mattison.