I get that we all want Dalvin Cook to be good. And I’m not saying he’s not. But is he?

In his second year as the Vikings’ lead back, Cook is something of an unknown commodity at the NFL level. We know he’s fast, that he hits the hole like he’s shot out of a cannon, and that his dreadlocks have a convincing thrash as he cuts upfield. While injuries have hampered the former second round pick, he’s shown identifiable strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

While Cook is fast, it’s not completely demonstrated by his 4.49 40-time. The Vikings’ back is unique in that hits his highest gear in his first few strides, exploding through creases and into the second level of opposing defenses. We’ve seen this characteristic in talented backs such as Tevin Coleman and Jamaal Charles.

In limited action throughout his first two seasons, Cook has forced an average of 5 missed tackles per game. With the Vikings’ inconsistent offensive line, elusiveness is a necessity. The combination of his ability to make would-be tacklers miss, along with his acceleration, have allowed Cook to break off splash plays regularly, offsetting his underwhelming average of 3.4 YPC on rushes of 10 yards or less.

What makes the Florida State product enticing is his versatility as a receiver. In their sparse opportunities together, Offensive Coordinator, John DeFilippo, has made a concerted effort to target Cook, who averages 1.6 more per game than backfield mate, Latavius Murray.

Weaknesses:

While both fast and elusive, Dalvin Cook is not one to fight through contact. This is evidenced by his yards created per carry numbers, which has fallen under 1.00 for the second straight season. In comparison, Latavius Murray is averaging 1.85 yards created per carry, 9th in the NFL. The ability to shed tacklers and gain tough yards is key for short yardage situations and trenchwork inside the 10 yard line.

Between injury concerns and play style, there’s indication that Cook may be best suited for a committee. A limited workload benefitted the aforementioned Charles and Coleman, supplementing their efficiency and protecting their bodies (kind of). An every down back has to be able to grind out tough yards — a feat that requires durability and power. Murray has averaged more yards per carry and been more elusive, despite seeing more defenders in the box on average (7.1 to 6.5, 11th in the league to 52nd)

Verdict:

A “resurgence” is unlikely if it refers to the memory of Cook’s hyper-efficient 4 game stretch in 2017. Instead, he will serve as the lightning to Murray’s thunder, contributing splash plays and operating on receiving downs. Murray will be the interior runner and goal line thumper. The split will be equitable and the quality of the Vikings’ offense should allow both to yield RB2 production.