Sporting News: MN Running-back battle, D. Cook ready to smoke LM...

I don't necessarily think McKinnon is a lock for the 3rd RB spot, he may be the odd man out.

I personally like the situation...Murray doesn't just walk in and is handled the starting running back spot, he's going have to work his ass off in training camp to get it.  And  Cook is pretty much in the same situation, if he wants half or more than half the carries, he's going have to bust his butt too.
This is the way it should be as far as I see it.  Either go out there and earn it or ride the bench.

Before it starts, it kinda reminds me of Chester Taylor and AP...

LM should be steady, unspectacular but can be counted on for certain situations. Not the guy I'd want to build my offense around for the long-term. 

Cook's the home-run hitter. I hope. 

I suspect they'll be highly complimentary of each other and should give defense headaches and a few fits. 

Could also be a Leroy Hoard and Robert Smith combo...

God, please no kiddie health challenges....Tonsils, earaches...

I think people are underestimating McKinnon.  He is a lock for the roster for sure.  His role TBD.  But he definitely has shown skills that make him a contributor.  He won't be the starter but valuable in certain plays/formations.  Cook will be the starter by end of year.

I just think with Murray's pass blocking and receiving skills he's a great option for 3rd down back. Cook's speed, raw talent and threat to break every carry only reinforces that. I see McKinnon as Cook's change up. Gonna be fun to watch in camp. 

@"Bolstad79" said: I don't necessarily think McKinnon is a lock for the 3rd RB spot, he may be the odd man out.

I doubt McKinnon's roster spot is in any danger. Who would take it? 

@"purplefaithful" said: God, please no kiddie health challenges....Tonsils, earaches...

Lol...forgot about all that...hopefully he's the homerun hitter, score from anywhere version, not the mumps version...

Here is how I see the current RB roster:

Cook's going to be our "Roger Craig" type WCO player - can run, catch and as soon as he picks up the blocking schemes he will be the feature back.  Not sure how long that all clicks for him, I say early into the season by about week 4.  Craig wasn't the biggest guy but he did break a lot of tackles, ran some great screens, and could block for Montana and the Bill Walsh designed WCO.  That is what Shurmur see's in Cook - just my comparison for now.

Until Cook picks it all up - Murray who can also currently run, catch and is said to be an excellent blocking back will be the feature back.  Murray, despite having better 40X does not seem to have the game-day in pads speed that Cook looks to be bringing to the next level.  Cook's speed on game film is good (not great, he gets caught from behind at the college level so I don't see a ton of 40+ TD's) and much better then the times he runs on a track. Straight-line timed speed is nice but vision with cut speed is better and that is what Cook is supposed to be bringing that Murray does not have.

I don't think Murray is a slouch so if Cook flops (I know impossible:)  then Murray is an adequate back IMO.  In fact, I don't think we were going to pick a RB until after our first two picks with the thought that Murray will hold it down and we will ease a rookie back-in.  That changed when Cook fell.  

Hopefully, Cook steps-up and the combination of Cook/Murray gives us what is needed in todays NFL - two backs.  Not a 50/50 split but nice to have 2 backs that can do all 3 phases of the game - run, catch and block.  

If that develops then I do think McKinnon will be the odd man out because what can he do better.  He will be a decent backup for this year then a free agent.  

@"minny65" said:

If that develops then I do think McKinnon will be the odd man out because what can he do better.  He will be a decent backup for this year then a free agent.  

Good summary and I agree with your perspective. Re McKinnon, I'm curious to see if he will try to take on some "non-RB" roles, like KR or slot receiver. We're all eager to see Rodney Adams because he is new, but the coaches might trust JM more than a rookie. 

@"Jor-El" said:

@"minny65" said:

If that develops then I do think McKinnon will be the odd man out because what can he do better.  He will be a decent backup for this year then a free agent.  

Good summary and I agree with your perspective. Re McKinnon, I'm curious to see if he will try to take on some "non-RB" roles, like KR or slot receiver. We're all eager to see Rodney Adams because he is new, but the coaches might trust JM more than a rookie. 

I am really looking forward to this competition.   Hopefully Shurmer will figure out how to utilize all three, yes I think Jet will make the team.  Bring on the three headed monster. 

@"1VikesFan" said: I am really looking forward to this competition.   Hopefully Shurmer will figure out how to utilize all three, yes I think Jet will make the team.  Bring on the three headed monster. 

Oh I do think Jet makes the team this year.  

I know cook can run and catch but, I want to see if Cook can block in the backfield and not fumble in big games.  If he can do that we have a winner!

I keep reading the headline as him smoking Legalized Marijuana....

I am so tired of the cliche writing of "It will be so weird seeing someone else being featured on the Vikings instead of Adrian Peterson." Players move all the time. And Peterson has played in 20 of the last 48 regular season games for the Vikings. It has been more uncommon for him to play for the Vikings in the last 3 seasons than not play for the Vikings. 

It will be so weird seeing someone else being featured on the Vikings instead of Adrian Peterson. The Patriots roll out 3-4 RBs most years and just play to each guy's strengths and even more specifically, they tailor entire gameplans and a week of practice around different guys, based on that week's opponent. I'd love to see the Vikings do some of that but I'm not sure I trust our offensive staff to pull it off.

I say everyone enjoy the depth Jet brings us....I think this is the last year on his rook contract? 

It will all depend on how those "big uglies" do in front of these guys.  While I didn't follow Cook or LM, I do know that Mckinnon is not a runner who can break tackles on every play.  If the line can keep them clean before the LOS then every RB we have will look better than anything the Viking's fielded lately.