soflavike wrote:While I was hoping for more OL help in the 2nd round, Dalvin Cook is a pretty good receiver out of the backfield and was a proven playmaker at FSU. I'm excited at the potential. He could even be a dangerous KR, for which we have a vacancy in the roster.
Could have done much worse. Let's see what the kid's got.
I think their 5th round pick Adams has the KR position locked up now. I doubt they would use their starting running back at KR anyway.
Speaking of pass catching/screens if he could be a good as Robert Smith at it then we'll have something. Although I feel that screens are not as successful as they used to be.
Don't hate on my Buckeyes. Some of the best Vikings went to Ohio State.
Including now, HOF WR #80 Cris Carter
In-division I think the screens can be pretty effective, assuming they get creative with them. We have some good slot options in Diggs, Hodges and a few other players. I don't think the Bears, Lions and Packers have the luxury of putting a good corner in the nickel to focus on Cook. The Bears have a pretty underrated LB core that could cause problems, but the Packers' and Lions' are suspect.
Either way, Cook isn't just a screen-back. With these two new run-blocking tackles, we should be able to create some off-tackle lanes very effectively and be > .500 in the NFC North just on the merit of an improved run-game and solid defense.
Not easy being a Vikes fan and staying an "unbiased" creator of Sidestream Football. This is my therapy. SKOL.
J. Kapp 11 wrote:Interesting line from Sports Illustrated's MMQB today: Read the full article.
It's part of Peter King's preseason NFL power rankings. He has the Vikings 16th, which is about where they belong.
Dalvin Cook sure is generating a lot of hype for a second round rookie. Moreover, a rookie who has yet to take an NFL snap and is running behind what projects to a sub-par offensive line.
It's been 10 years, so maybe I mis-remembering, but, I never recalled this much hype surrounding future HOF Adrian Peterson when we drafted him.
A Randy Moss fan for life. A Kevin Williams fan for life.
808vikingsfan wrote:Nice pre draft scouting report of Dalvin Cook
Not great at short yardage. Same with Murray whos biggest knock is not playing to his size, and McKinnon was never a power runner either. With all the being said, do you think it would be a smart move to pick up a very non-expensive short yardage back and get rid of McKinnon?
“I remember my mistakes more than my success.” - Adrian Peterson
allday1991 wrote:
Not great at short yardage. Same with Murray whos biggest knock is not playing to his size, and McKinnon was never a power runner either. With all the being said, do you think it would be a smart move to pick up a very non-expensive short yardage back and get rid of McKinnon?
I thought Murray's strengths were pass blocking and short yardage?
Latavius Murray proved to be rather adept at converting short yardage situations. The 6'3", 230-pound Raider rushed for 23 first downs from two yards out or less bulldozing ahead to move the chains.