2017 NFL Draft KC Chiefs Scouting Report: Dalvin Cook

As painful as it is to think about, Jamaal Charles’ days with the Kansas City Chiefs are most likely over. Would drafting a running back like Dalvin Cook in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft make sense for the KC Chiefs?

When Jamaal Charles went back on injured reserve this season, fans were disappointed and felt sorry for Charles as the fierce competitor stumbled. KC Chiefs fans remained optimistic since Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West stepped in so admirably in Charles’ absence in 2015. Ware and West, however, were unable to recapture their success of the 2015 season.

There has been some debate in the comment section here on KC Kingdom as to whether the problem was indeed a running back issue or an offensive line issue. Regardless of where one leans on this issue, it became more than apparent this season that the Kansas City Chiefs need an upgrade at the running back position.

Fade to Dalvin Cook.

Dalvin Cook is KC Kingdom’s first analysis of a boom or bust draft pick this off-season.

While at Florida State, Cook accumulated 4,464 yards on 687 rushing attempts and 46 touchdowns.-Per Sport-Reference.com

He’s also a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 79 passes for 935 yards and two touchdowns, making him a noteworthy option.-also Per Sport-Reference.com

He has drawn lofty comparisons to Hall of Fame, running back and current NFL broadcaster, Marshall Faulk by WalterFootball.com and current superstar running back LeSean McCoy by WalterFootball.com.

The great folks at WalterFootball.com also happen to agree with our very own Leigh Oleszczak’s assessment in that Cook’s style reminds them of (you guessed it) Jamaal Charles. Those comparisons are great news to Chiefs fans everywhere.

Dalvin could bring a lot to the table with his explosive speed along with his ability to find the end zone. Possessing excellent hands and route running skills, Cook could instantly help a team and take them to the next level. per WalterFootball.com

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Unfortunately in life, there are a few constants such as: What goes up, must come down. (Nothing is ever as good as it seems at first, right?) Cook’s upside comes with some serious baggage.

The biggest flaw in Cook’s game is ball security, having committed thirteen fumbles in his career-per NFL.com. Just ask Knile Davis what happens when you fumble the ball over and over again? (Too soon?) It will not get any easier for Cook in the big leagues, as he’ll have to contend with more experienced defenders.

The other elephant in the room for Cook is that also per NFL.com, he could be injury prone. He tore his rotator cuff in high school and has had three shoulder surgeries since then. That is a genuine concern that potential teams will have to weigh carefully (Cough, Cough… Tony Romo).

It also should be noted that, per NFL.com, he’s had run-ins with the law.

Next: Mock Draft: Chiefs Get Their Quarterback

Even with all those potential red flags, Cook’s skill set will be sought after by a lot of teams and I seriously doubt that Cook tumbles to the 27th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.

In order for the Chiefs to pick Dalvin, the team would have to trade up in the draft to do it. Trading up draft slots is very tricky in the NFL, typically teams have to bet the farm or at least another first round pick.

What do you think Kansas City? Would it be worth trading up to get the “Next Jamaal Charles”? You never know what the current regime will do on draft day, they always seem to choose the most surprising pick of the draft.

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