Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will reportedly hold out until he receives a reasonable deal.
After that news hit, experts and fans alike began to guess what will happen to Cook’s production in 2020.
NFL Network’s Michael Robinson doesn’t only think Cook will be fine next season, but the analyst tabbed him as the best running back in the NFL next season. Here’s what Robinson said about Cook (H/T 247 Sports):
“I think Dalvin Cook is going to emerge this year as the NFL’s leading rusher,” Robinson said. “Oh yeah, he does catch the ball out of the backfield. He is one of the best screen runners we have in the game today. What I like about Dalvin Cook is when he puts his foot in the ground, on that second level, it is almost an impossible tackle for safeties and corners. He has the burners to go 80 (yards).”
Cook is coming off a season where he tallied 1,135 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Last season’s leading rusher — Derrick Henry — had 1,540, in addition to 16 touchdowns.
Cook would need an uptick in his yards, sure, but he also missed two games last season. If he can stay healthy, he could improve his total.
The offensive line will need to improve, even though the team terminated Josh Kline’s contract this offseason. Whoever steps up in Kline’s place might have to do better in order for Cook to surpass running backs such as Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb.