And though he wasn’t a full-time starter, one of those players was running back James Cook.
If you didn’t already know about James Cook, he certainly made his presence felt in the 2021 CFP with big performances against both Michigan and Alabama that showcased his skills as a runner and receiver.
The Dolphins added free agents Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds at running back this offseason and they will join returning players Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, but it certainly shouldn’t preclude the team from considering adding a running back in the draft.
For one thing, while Mostert has the potential to be a very good acquisition for the Dolphins, he’s also had major injury issues in recent years and he will come into training camp as a bit of a question mark. For another, the Dolphins certainly could use an upgrade at the back of the rotation. And, most importantly, when looking at the roster beyond this season, Edmonds is the only running back under contract for 2023.
Cook’s skill set makes him very well suited for the offensive scheme that Mike McDaniel will bring with him from San Francisco, so selecting him would make sense on a lot of levels.
James Cook Scouting Reports
NFL Draft Bible: “James Cook projects to be a scatback at the next level. He wins as an excellent receiver, smooth acceleration and loose hips. He is not the biggest or the strongest back and is raw at the position. He has a ton of upside with his excellent movement and receiving skills. He could develop into a quality running back and overall offensive weapon.”
NFL.com (Lance Zierlein): “Change-of-pace runner with vision and flow but a lack of functional play strength. The younger brother of Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, James has his brother’s one-cut talent and ability to stack cuts seamlessly through the second level. However, he is missing his big brother’s build, contact balance and toughness between the tackles, which will surely cap expectations and asks from an NFL club. His slashing style fits with outside zone and toss plays. He can also be used as a mismatch option as a pass-catcher. Cook has big-play ability but is unlikely to see his carry count get very high.”
CBSSports.com on his strengths: “Calm, cool, collected bouncy back. Glides past would-be tacklers on many of his runs. Used as a receiver and on jet sweeps often in his college’s offense, which speaks to his athleticism and efficiency in space. But can explode through the second level to hit big plays. Vision is NFL-ready. Finds creases as they’re materializing. Deceptively fast and smooth when changing directions. His versatility as a receiver (soft hands) makes him a fascinating prospect at the outset of the “Wide Back” era for skill-position players.” … Pro comparison is “slower” Dalvin Cook.
James Cook’s College Career and Bio
— Played four years at Georgia after starring at Miami Central High.
— Was named co-winner of Georgia’s Offensive Most Improved Player Award in 2019.
— Started three games for Georgia’s national championship team in 2021.
— Had a 67-yard run against Alabama in the CFP Championship Game.
— Had a career-high 112 receiving yards against Michigan in the 2022 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, including receptions of 53 and 39 yards.
— One of four players named Offensive Newcomer of the Year for Georgia in 2018.
— Younger brother of Minnesota Vikings (and former Florida State) running back Dalvin Cook.
