Ex-Ravens RB hyping himself after terrible season in peak delusion

The Baltimore Ravens have proven to be a factory for running backs in the last few years turning unheralded players like Gus Edwards into quality starters while resurrecting the career of Mark Ingram. Dalvin Cook, however, was unable to get many snaps for a loaded Baltimore team last season.

Cook was a consistent 1,000-yard rusher with the Minnesota Vikings, but his lone season with the New York Jets showed that he is far past his prime. Playing alongside Nathaniel Hackett and Zach Wilson was tough, but his trademark speed that helped him break off big plays was totally gone.

Even though his numbers from last year were so sobering that it looks like Cook is at the end of his career, the former Florida State star seems to believe he can still be a quality running back in this league despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

"I've got it all," Cook said, per Aaron Wilson. "The tools are still here. I didn't really get reps last year. So, the legs are fresh, so the resume speaks for itself. I'm still Dalvin Cook. I'm still that guy. For me, I don't like to toot my own horn. I just like to go out there, put my helmet on and line up on the grass."

Ex-Ravens RB Dalvin Cook says he's still "that guy" after terrible season

Cook did not receive any carries with the Ravens in the regular season, only getting a handful of touches in the postseason when the outcome of the win against the Houston Texans was decided. With the Jets before being cut, Cook amassed 214 yards rushing on 3.2 yards per carry while never toting the rock for longer than 14 yards.

Due to his inability to block well and fumble issues, Cook's value lay in his ability to reel off big plays. Without that breakaway explosiveness, Cook is an extremely limited player who will struggle to contribute to a winner.

The Ravens signed Derrick Henry, but the injury to Keaton Mitchell might prompt Baltimore to add another running back behind him. Cook has a small chance, but he is coming from a place of such decrepit play that he would need a miracle for a team to take a chance on him.

There's nothing wrong with having confidence in your ability, but anyone who saw a Jets game last year will see that Cook is, if you will pardon the wordplay, a cooked product. Baltimore seemingly is not interested in a return, and the rest of the league doesn't seem to be biting either.