NFL Draft 2017: Dalvin Cook says he’s the best RB in the class

PHILADELPHIA – With just under a month to go until the 2017 NFL Draft, we enter the final stage of the draft process, which includes private workouts.

Under NFL rules, each team is only allowed 30 private visits with players leading up to the draft. On Wednesday, Philadelphia Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley conducted a workout with Florida State back Dalvin Cook.

Philadelphia also met with Cook at the NFL Combine, in addition to sending two scouts to his pro day, leading to rampant speculation that the Eagles could be eyeing him with their 14^th overall selection.

Playing in the Seminoles pro-style offense under head coach Jimbo Fisher, the multi-faceted back possesses the skill-set necessary to transition to the Eagles west coast system.

“Coach Fisher asked a lot of me to run a lot of routes, pick up a lot of protection, Cook stated at the combine. “He got us prepared and ready [for the NFL].”

This past season, Philadelphia ran the ball 396 times from a single-back formation, including 164 times out of the shotgun, while asking their backs to handle pass protection duties. Cook appears up for the task.

“What separates me is I can do it all, I can stay on the field all three downs and you know I’m just a do it all back,” Cook continued. “I am the best back in this class.”

The Eagles recently held a private workout with Penn State receiver Chris Godwin, a possible second round target who has been a hot commodity during pre-draft visits.

A true playmaker for the Nittany Lions, Godwin never lined up in the slot and is considered a true outside wide out. His ability to stretch the field and mentality seem to be suited for Philadelphia.

“I like to take pride in being a hard worker,” Godwin said at his pro day. “Just try and show them that I can be really well-rounded, whether it’s the short, intermediate and deep routes, things that I feel really make me stand out amongst this year’s receivers.”

Despite depth at the tight end position, the Eagles have shown significant interest in Michael Roberts of Toledo, who they met with at the East-West Shrine Game in January prior to his private workout. Projected as a day three pick, Roberts strong play earned him a call to the Senior Bowl where he made a strong impression on NFL scouts.

“I’m all about work ethic,” Roberts said in Mobile. “Blocking is a big part of my game I take very seriously. It’ll help me make a lot of money and will help me stay active on a 53-man roster.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Philadelphia has a private workout lined up with dexterous Michigan defensive tackle Chris Wormley.

“I’m a versatile player, I think I can play in both type of schemes a 4-3 and 3-4,” Wormley stated at his pro day earlier this week. “I can also play inside or outside.”

The Eagles will conduct their local pro day on April 19.