Dalvin Cook move gives Vikings sleeper rookie a shot at huge role

The Minnesota Vikings made the slightly surprising move to cut veteran running back and Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook. For a team that just won 13 games last season, the Vikings are certainly not shying away from making some bold changes in 2023 with even more change looming in 2024 as Kirk Cousins’ contract is set to expire. Even with all of the changes in 2023 and looming potential changes, the Vikings are expected to remain competitive in the NFC North and expectations will be relatively high coming off of a 13-win season.

Understandably so.

At the running back position, Alexander Mattison is expected to take on the lion’s share of the RB1 duties left behind by Dalvin Cook. But there should undoubtedly be room for others to carve out a role and rookie seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride is competing with the likes of Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu — fellow former day three picks — to be the RB2 in Minnesota this coming season.

Minnesota Vikings have sleeper rookie DeWayne McBride waiting in the wings

DeWayne McBride, if nothing else, is a name you need to know going into this season. If you’re one who plays dynasty fantasy football, you might be able to impress your friends by taking McBride later than he should have otherwise gone. Unless the hype builds bigger leading up to training camp.

Just who is this guy, and why should Vikings fans be excited about him?

The Vikings got McBride in the 7th round, and if you ask NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, that might have been three rounds too late. Zierlein really liked what he saw out of McBride and gave him a 4th-round grade coming out of UAB:

"Productive runner with the physical/athletic attributes that could create an upward trajectory in the right situation. McBride is experienced and comfortable running in all blocking schemes. He’s smooth-hipped and runs with a good blend of shiftiness, and power. He would benefit from a quicker tempo and decisiveness inside. He must eliminate ball security issues or he could end up falling out of favor quickly. McBride’s lack of third down value could hurt his draft slotting, but his upside is worth a Day 3 selection.Lance Zierlein"

That lack of third-down value is almost undoubtedly what ended up costing McBride his overall draft status. As you can see from the numbers he put up, McBride was dominant as a ball carrier, but over the course of his collegiate career, he caught just five passes.

NFL teams had to wonder why in the world that was the case, and it was undoubtedly an emphasis when McBride was going through the pre-draft workout and interview gauntlet. But even with those potential issues on third down, McBride’s ability to carry the ball and move chains that way is something the Minnesota Vikings saw enough value in to take him in the 7th round. It was probably later than he should have gone which means the Vikings got great value.

I will admit — I’m even a bit skeptical that things are going to go overwhelmingly well for Alexander Mattison. This is a guy who had less than 100 carries last season. Not that DeWayne McBride is going to steal the RB1 job in Minnesota, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.