Duce Staley wants Philadelphia Eagles to draft Dalvin Cook
By Ryan Quigley
Philadelphia Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley reportedly wants the team to draft Dalvin Cook.
Florida State running back Dalvin Cook is one of the top prospects in this year’s draft. The Philadelphia Eagles need a running back and Cook could be an option with their No. 14 overall pick. Would the Eagles be willing to take a chance on the talented, yet troubled back?
According to a Cook’s grandmother (referred to as Miss Betty) in a report from Sports Illustrated’s The MMQB, at least one member of the Eagles’ coaching staff is on the Cook train. And he’s kind of important.
"Where Cook goes in the draft is anyone’s guess. Miss Betty believes the Eagles are very interested—they were the only team to reach out to her personally. Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley called her to talk about Dalvin’s character. “He was just telling me how much he wants Dalvin,” the proud grandmother beams. “He said ‘But I don’t think he’ll be there with the 14th pick, Miss Betty.’”"
The Eagles seem to be high on Florida State’s all-time leading rusher. While recently speaking on 94WIP, Cook said the Eagles were showing heavy interest in him. He also confirmed that he had met with the Eagles for a pre-draft visit as well as a private workout.
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Cook’s abilities on the football field are outstanding. In just three years at Florida State, he ran for 4,464 yards and 46 touchdown with an average of 6.5 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he also has some alarming character concerns. In 2015, Cook was suspended indefinitely after allegedly punching a woman outside a bar. He was reinstated by the team the following month after being found not guilty of battery charges.
It’s no guarantee Cook will still be on the board when the Eagles make their first-round selection in the draft. If he is, however, don’t be surprised if Cook’s name is called.