2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 11

Dalvin Cook’s 2016 season got off to an incredibly slow start and I was beginning to wonder if he would make it as a legitimate backfield talent in the NFL. Well, I knew he had the talent to succeed, but it seemed like the hamstring issues he suffered from in 2015 were lingering and causing him to lose a step.

After missing the 100-yard rushing mark through the first three games, he finally broke out against South Florida with a 267-yard performance. He has since followed that up with five 100-yard showings in six weeks. He has also proven to be a legitimate threat in the pass game as well, catching a career-best 27 passes for 400 yards and a score.

Frank Gore is getting up there in age and he might have one or two more seasons, at most, left in those veteran legs. He has been surprisingly effective this year at the age of 33, rushing for 592 yards and four touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry.

The front office needs to add a backup running back, or even potential replacement from day one. Cook is the kind of talent that could take over right away and put the backfield concerns to rest. Indianapolis’ offensive line is a concern, but having no run game is a little more worrisome.