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Vikings Testing Surprising New Role for Dalvin Cook at OTAs

By Larry Rupp

The Minnesota Vikings are testing a surprising role for running back Dalvin Cook at OTAs.
The Minnesota Vikings are testing a surprising role for running back Dalvin Cook at OTAs. / Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Dalvin Cook has had no issues carrying the Minnesota Vikings rushing offense on his back as of late. He has posted at least 1,000 yards on the ground in each of the last three seasons, but could be in for a new role in 2022. The Vikings have been testing the idea of Cook lining up at wide receiver during OTAs.

Minnesota Vikings News

Chad Graff of The Athletic has reported that Cook has been lining up in a bunch of receiver sets across multiple formations. Keep in mind new head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been expected to shift Minnesota's offense toward the passing attack, so adding Cook to the mix is a logical move.

It is only May, so it's possible the Vikings are just trying out new things in hopes of seeing what sticks. No matter what, it's an interesting concept considering Cook averages 26.8 receiving yards per game in his career. More dump-offs and an expanded route tree could lead to more scoring opportunities.

Cook's best receiving season came in 2019 when he racked up 519 yards on 53 receptions (63 targets). Seeing a similar output this fall wouldn't be surprising, especially given the attention both Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson attract on passing plays. Cook could see a lot of open looks.

For now, the Vikings will look to improve as a whole on offense after finishing 10th in the NFL in total yards per game (363.8) and 13th in points per game (25.0). Minnesota currently has odds set at +280 to win the NFC North and odds set at +4000 to win Super Bowl 57, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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