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Could the Minnesota Vikings target a running back in the NFL Draft later this month? ESPN analyst Derrick Klassen seems to think it would be a good idea:
“Dalvin Cook's talent has never been a question in the NFL. However, he has suited up for only 15 of the team's 32 games over the past two seasons due to an ACL tear in 2017 and lingering hamstring issues in 2018,” wrote Klassen in his explanation. “In an ideal world, the Vikings can move forward with Cook as the clear feature back, but it would be foolish to be confident in Cook's health at this point. Furthermore, the backup group of Michael Boone, Roc Thomas and Ameer Abdullah is not a depth chart the Vikings should be aiming to start the season with. Even if they just take a late-round swing, the Vikings need to add a running back.”
The Vikings also suffered a big loss in the backfield earlier this offseason, as Latavius Murray signed with the New Orleans Saints via free agency.
So, Minnesota could absolutely use some depth and security in its ground game.
As Klassen states, Cook is incredibly talented, and in 11 games this past season, he rushed for 615 yards and a couple of touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 40 receptions for 305 yards and a pair of scores.
However, you cannot trust him to stay healthy, and the last thing the Vikings want is for Cook to suffer another injury and to not have any other reliable running backs to relieve him.
