Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay detail why James Cook's abilities transfer to NFL

Former Georgia Bulldogs running back James Cook is one of the most versatile running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft. As ESPN draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. preview this year’s draft class, both are high on Cook’s skillset as it translates to a potential role in the NFL.

“Zamir White was the guy that was the main running back, and here’s James Cook gradually becoming more of a factor,” Kiper said. “And I remember even two years ago when Nick Saban in the first half of that game, yeah he was beating them from a wide receiver position… He could be in the slot, he can be wide as a receiver, he can catch the ball out of the backfield so well and give you that dimension that a lot of backs can’t. And he is explosive.

“You think about the bloodlines with (Vikings running back) Dalvin (Cook), you think about the way he performed in that complementary role with the versatility he provides. Todd, I don’t see him getting out of the third round. I think he’s far too exciting, valuable a difference maker with the way he can catch the ball and the way he can get in that open field and nobody’s going to catch him. He’s a home run hitter. I like this kid as a third round dynamo and I think that’s about where he’s going to come off the board.”

McShay’s take on Cook in the NFL

McShay also believes that Cook will be selected right around the third round of the NFL Draft.

“Yeah I’ve got a 74 grade on him,” McShay responded. “To me, in my grading scale, that’s like right in the middle of the third round. I think he’s somewhere after the first three backs, I think either fourth or fifth, you can kind of split hairs.”

Cook was never the number one running back at Georgia. This season, he played a big role in the offense alongside fellow running back Zamir White. On the year, Cook had 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, adding 27 receptions for 284 yards and four more scores.

He is extremely versatile, and McShay believes that Cook’s ability to contribute in multiple ways will be valuable in the NFL, even if he is never the top option out of the backfield.

“But Cook, listen, you’re drafting a guy who’s probably never going to be your workhorse,” added McShay. “But in today’s NFL, you don’t need that guy. You need someone who can give seven, eight, nine carries, but then get three, four, five receptions. And he, at the end of the game, we saw it even in the playoffs, like it may just be one catch or one run for 60 something yards. But that’s the play that can change a game, and that’s what he brings. So I love him as a change of pace back.

“The shiftiness, the elusiveness, and then put him in the slot. You don’t have to just throw screens to him and dump offs and outlet throws. Get him in the slot and let him work one-on-one against a number three corner or safety when he’s got some mismatches. So I think that his versatility and his big play ability land him a spot in the third round. Again, he may never be your number one in the NFL, but he’s going to be a part of the offense and an impact type of player every time he touches the ball.”