The Miami Dolphins reportedly could aggressively pursue Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook during the 2023 NFL Draft.
There is no guarantee that the Vikings will look to trade Cook during the draft this week, but if they do, Miami could be among the suitors for the four-time Pro Bowler.
“A few veteran names to watch for potential in-draft trades, now that the Aaron Rodgers deal is done, include [Cincinnati] Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (who has asked the team to trade him), Arizona safety Budda Baker (same) and Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook (some people think Miami could get aggressive there if he becomes available because the Vikings have drafted another running back),” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote.
Miami currently has four running backs on its roster after re-signing Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin this offseason.
However, Cook would be a major upgrade at the position, and he’d be a nice addition to an offense that already features Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Last season, Cook recorded his fourth straight 1,000-yard rushing campaign for the Vikings, but he did average the fewest yards per carry of his career (4.4). Overall, Cook carried the ball 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
The former second-round pick is also a very capable pass catcher. He’s reeled in at least 34 receptions in every season since his rookie campaign. Cook had 295 receiving yards and two receiving scores in the 2022 season.
As a result of his production, Cook, who has been in the league for six seasons, made his fourth straight Pro Bowl this past season.
Adding a proven running back could take some pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa in Miami’s offense. It also appears that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is open to the idea of adding help at the running back position, as he reportedly would love to see his team move up for former University of Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ultimately, the Dolphins need the Vikings to be willing to trade Cook for a deal to get done. If Minnesota takes a running back early, Miami may be in play to add the 27-year-old.
If that doesn’t happen, the Dolphins seem content with rolling with Mostert and Wilson after they formed a solid one-two punch at the end of the 2022 season.
