Vikings' Dalvin Cook is a top-five running back right now

The Minnesota Vikings have a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is their three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are their two Pro Bowl receivers. The offensive line, led by center Garrett Bradbury, continues to improve. Arguably the most important piece of this Minnesota offense is 26 year-old running back Dalvin Cook. 

The former Florida State alum was the team's second-round draft choice in 2017. After a couple of injury-hampered seasons, in which he only played in 15 out of a possible 32, he started to find his groove. Over his last three seasons (2019-2021), he has recorded at least 1,300 scrimmage yards. That includes over 1,100 rushing yards in each season and 35 total touchdowns. He has made the Pro Bowl in each season, too. Cook has been consistent when on the field despite not playing a full season yet. He has started 55 games out of the 56 that he has played in.

With emergence of Jefferson on the outside, a lot of the focus will be taken away from Cook in the backfield. That makes him all the more dangerous. When No. 33 gets the ball around defenders, it's the defenders that are in trouble. He is coming off a career-high season in average rushing yards before contact per attempt (2.7) and receptions per broken tackle (11.3). Think of an Allen Iverson crossover. That's what it is like trying to tackle Cook in the open field. His vision, footwork and balance are three of his superpowers. He is one of the best all-around offensive players in the game because of them. He belongs in the conversation with Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor and Alvin Kamara as one the best running backs in the league. 

The soon-to-be five-year veteran will be looking to have a fully healthy season. Cook and backup running back Alexander Mattison, who is coming off a career-high season with 719 total yards, are one of the top duos in the league. The Vikings' ground attack combined with the play-action passing of Cousins will put a lot of fear in defenses this upcoming season. First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell will certainly put players like Cook in great position to be successful.