What would an offensive backfield look like for the Minnesota Vikings with both Dalvin Cook and his younger brother, running back prospect James Cook?
It’s cool to dream about the Cook brothers terrorizing opponents and handing out headaches on the regular to defensive coordinators. When asked about the possibility of joining Dalvin in Minnesota, James delivered the most grounded answer for a soon-to-be NFL rookie.
“That’d be a plus, but they already have a guy,” James said at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The thought of playing with his brother is obviously intriguing to James, but he’s also looking for an opportunity to carve out his own role on a team. Dalvin, a three-time Pro Bowler, is obviously locked in as the lead back for the Vikings.
James Cook is smooth like butter. 🧈@thegreat__4 | @GeorgiaFootball
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— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2022
Granted, James could be an interesting option if he slips into the later rounds on the draft board, especially with backup Alexander Mattison’s contract coming due in 2023.
But it would still be a long-shot possibility considering all of the other areas of need for the Vikings, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They aren’t in any rush to burn a draft pick on another running back.
So there’s a greater likelihood of the Cook brothers seeing each other on an NFL field in different jerseys at some point.
“We going to get after it,” James said, when asked about playing opposite of Dalvin. “If I’m on the other side, I know he’s going to try to beat me, too, by running all over [my team], so I’m going to try to do the same.”
