Slid in draft: Yet Cook was the 3rd RB drafted behind two top 10 picks. He
profiled as a first or second round pick, which is exactly where he was taken, and the Vikings traded up 7 spots to get him.
Vikings added Murray: Murray's deal just became a 1 year contract. They will presumably open in a time share, which will allow Cook time to adjust. If Cook plays well, Murray will not be an obstacle IMO, and Cook will surpass him well before the end of the season.
Bad OL: Team has upgraded all 3 OL spots that were below average last season with 2 free agent OTs, and last year's Rimington award winner at C.
Bad offense: Cook (and Murray) and the OL upgrades will help with that.
Bad combine results: He ran 4.49 and
led all RBs in bench press. IMO this issue has been overstated. His physical talent didn't hold him back in college against major competition; he carried the
second highest draft grade among RBs. IMO he is a good example of a player who plays faster in pads than his 40 time might suggest.
Off field issues: This is a valid concern, although most of his issues are pretty far in the past. There is no way to accurately forecast one way or another to what extent, if any, this will be a problem for him. One must assume the Vikings did their homework and feel good about it.
IMO there is no question that Cook > Anderson.