MANKATO, Minn. -- The NFL running game is not much different than college. You see the hole and hit the hole. So why do some rookies struggle to get on the field early in their career?

Usually, the answer has something to do with pass protection.

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It appears the Minnesota Vikings have no such concerns about it with Dalvin Cook, the second-round pick who has an early stranglehold over the starting position. Cook has looked more than proficient in blitz pickup even to the amateur eye, and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said Wednesday he "absolutely, absolutely" trusts Cook in that role.

"He's got a great background in it," Shurmur said. "[We've] talked about how he has a really good foundation in it, coming from Florida State. He understands the big picture. He understands our terminology as far as who we're blocking, and he's got a really good feel for the game."

As we've noted, injuries to others have helped Cook take the early lead in what was expected to be a three-way competition for the starting job. Veteran Latavius Murray (ankle) remains on the physically unable to perform list, to the apparent chagrin of coach Mike Zimmer, and veteran Jerick McKinnon was set back by an undisclosed injury last week but has since returned.

In the meantime, Cook has capitalized and made the most of the extended opportunity. And if coaches are pleased with this pass protection, there is every reason to expect him to be the team's workhorse as long as he stays healthy.

"He's doing a good job," Shurmur said. "I don't see any elements of running-back play that he can't be very good at, and pass protection is one of them."