2022 NFL draft: James Cook scouting report
The lightning portion of the “Thunder & Lightning” combo at Georgia, James Cook will look to bring his brand of electricity to the next level as one of the most explosive running backs in the 2022 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Bulldogs’ big-play machine:
Vitals
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190
Class: Senior
40 time: 4.42
Strengths
Cook was electric, as both a runner and a receiver, for the best team in college football last year. He tallied over 700 rushing yards on 113 carries (6.4 yards per attempt) with seven touchdowns, adding 27 receptions for 284 yards and four more scores through the air. He was a true dual-threat weapon opponents had to respect, regardless of how he touched the ball.
As a runner, Cook is smooth and agile, with a burst that allows him to glide through holes and explode into the next level quickly with an excellent second gear. He should excel in one-cut-and-go schemes that will allow him to zip through a hole, slash between tackles, and explode into the second level quickly. His cutting ability and agility allows him to make explosive moves that can completely reroute his direction, and leave pursuers in the dust.
As a pass-catcher, Cook is a mismatch out the backfield, as his speed and route running ability are top-notch for the position. Multiple times on film, he flew past defenders on a wheel route, or worked his way inside with a quick Texas route. His smoothness and burst translates to both areas of his game, and should help him excel at the next level.
Weaknesses
Cook is slim and undersized for the NFL, and this leads to some obvious downsides in his game. Those include being easily taken down on first contact, not being a threat near the goal line, struggling against blitzes in pass protection, limited yards after the catch, and durability concerns.
He’ll need to bulk up in the weight room to mitigate that risk, and become more of a well-built runner. If he does add some weight, he’ll have to make sure it doesn’t cost him the explosiveness that’s become the calling card of his skill set.
Projection
Cook should by viewed by NFL teams as a mismatch in the passing game, and a unique option on outside pitches and zone runs, where he can avoid early contact and use his speed to take advantage of open field. Teams should value his pass-catching ability and threat level when he’s on the field, as well as his explosive potential on any given snap.
He’ll need to add weight to have sustainability in the NFL, and teams might be hesitant to give him any sort of heavy workload right away. His pass protection issues make him hard to trust on passing downs when he’s not sent out to catch the ball. He’ll likely come off the board early on Day 3, but could be a huge steal in the right situation.
