Vikings star Dalvin Cooks thinks he’s the best RB in the NFL

Through his first couple of seasons in the league, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has established himself as one of the top players at his position.

Cook had his first two years in the league impacted by injury, but he broke through in 2019 with a career-best campaign finishing seventh in total scrimmage yards with 1,654 and scored 13 touchdowns. With all that in mind, he recently told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that he is the best running back in the league.

“The things I do coming out of the backfield, the things I do in between the tackles, I block, I pretty much do it all,” Cook said of why he believes he’s the best. “I don’t have to come off the field. I think some guys just don’t do as much as I do, and I think that’s why I’m today’s (top) back.”

Cook has made a strong case to be in that conversation, especially with what he showed in the 2019 season. When healthy, he has proven to be a workhorse option out of the backfield that can profoundly impact the running and passing game.

The 24-year-old has cemented himself as the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offensive game plan. Beyond backing his words up next season, he is entering the final year of his rookie deal that will be crucial in getting him a lucrative long-term contract with the Vikings.

Cook will have to prove he’s past his injury woes that impacted him last season as well. It’s on him to showcase otherwise in 2020.