In a little less than a month, gamers from all over the world will sit in front of their consoles and fire up the latest edition of Madden. The release of one of the most popular video games in the world provides a chance for fans of every team to begin their virtual march to the Super Bowl. But for Minnesota Vikings fans, it might mean a little more.
With Kevin O’Connell‘s arrival, everyone is trying to figure out what the offense could look like in 2022. While fans can only dream of what Sean McVay-inspired concepts could be on their way to Minnesota, they got a hint when Dalvin Cook reportedly lined up at receiver.
As big as it could be in real life, it’s even more significant for Madden players. A pass-catching running back is one of the ultimate weapons on the virtual gridiron. Having Cook take that step could make the Vikings one of the most popular teams in the game.
But do the new Madden rankings suggest a shift to increased pass-catching? Or is Cook one of the many players who have to justify their new roles on the field before getting a hike in the ratings?
At first glance, it appears to be a case of “wait and see.” Many of Cook’s ratings from the final roster update on Madden 22 appear unchanged. But when you compare Cook’s attributes to some of the top receivers in the game, there is enough there to hint at a more diversified role.
Cook’s speed rating of 92 isn’t far off from where he was last year, and it stacks up with some of the best receivers in the game. However, the Vikings have other backs who can burn their way downfield. With Kene Nwangwu (94) and fifth-round pick Ty Chandler (93) owning a higher speed rating than Cook, it’s fair to suggest they could be more suited for this role.
But what Cook lacks in speed, he makes up for in acceleration. Cook’s 92 acceleration is not only on par with some of the top playmakers in the game but also stacks up with Justin Jefferson (91) and Adam Thielen (92). Some other notable names that have either the same or lower rating as Cook include Davante Adams (92), CeeDee Lamb (91), Mike Evans (89), Keenan Allen (89), and DeAndre Hopkins (88).
Then there’s Cook’s awareness, which is the difference between a veteran and a wide-eyed rookie. Cook’s 92 awareness rating would be tied for 25th among receivers with D.K. Metcalf and Ja’Marr Chase.
These numbers look great in the context of becoming a complete weapon. But Cook also needs to prove his worth in some of the fundamentals of being a receiver.
Cook’s catch rating of 71 ranks 25th among running backs, but there’s a case that it should be lower. According to Pro Football Focus, Cook finished last on the team with a 79.1% catch rate last season. However, his 85.4% catch rate over the 2019 and 2020 seasons suggests a better average.
The ability to go up and get the ball is also an essential skill for a receiver, but this is where Cook falls short. His 77 jump rating ranks 132nd among running backs and is historically accurate after his woeful performance at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. Cook’s vertical jump of 30.5″ placed in the 10th percentile of MockDraftable’s database, and he hasn’t had the opportunity to improve on it. With Cook unable to Moss defenders, the Vikings used him primarily in the screen game, which impacts his next set of ratings.
Few running backs have mastered the art of route-running. However, Cook hasn’t had the chance to show it. He has ranked toward the bottom of the league in average depth of target in each of the last three seasons. That includes a -1.8 aDOT, which ranked 66th out of 67 qualifying backs last year.
The Vikings have primarily used Cook on screens, and his route-running has suffered. His short-route running checks in at 68, but the further he goes downfield, the more his rating declines. Madden has Cook listed with a 61 medium-route rating and a 56 deep-route rating, which suggests that gamers may want to keep Mike Zimmer’s playbook handy if they want to go downfield.
So what does this all mean? It means that while Cook is ticketed for slots at receiver, the rating adjusters haven’t bought in. Like with most Madden ratings, though, that’s subject to change.
If O’Connell uses Cook more downfield, it could be enough to boost his rating and help EA make up for it. But there’s also a chance that Cook’s role at receiver is to create the Illusion of Complexity rather than to turn him into the next Randy Moss.
All of the Madden ratings speculation is fun, but, when it comes to using Cook, it’s best to just run the damn ball.
