Georgia has recently produced NFL-caliber running backs at a prolific rate. The school seems poised to generate two more in 2022.
As the 2022 NFL Draft draws nearer, it looks like both of the Bulldogs’ leading rushers from last season, Zamir White and James Cook, are going to be drafted. While White was the more productive back at Georgia, Cook is the name with which NFL fans will be more familiar.
Cook spent four seasons at Georgia and became a key part of the team’s backfield rotation during his senior season. He posted 1,042 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns to help put himself on the map as an explosive playmaker, much like his brother.
Yes, James Cook is the younger brother of Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook. The two grew up together in Miami, and Dalvin (26) is four years older than James (22).
Does the Georgia back compare to his older brother, or is he a different type of player? Here’s what to know about the two Cooks as James prepares to join the NFL ranks.
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Comparing James Cook and Dalvin Cook
James Cook and Dalvin Cook are brothers, but they have taken different paths to reach the NFL. Below is an in-depth comparison of their college careers and athletic measurables as the younger Cook looks to make the jump to the NFL.
James Cook stats at Georgia vs. Dalvin Cook stats at Florida State
It’s abundantly clear that Dalvin Cook had a more prolific college career than his brother. He played just three years at Florida State before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft, but his career numbers still dwarf those of James.
Why is that? It’s because James Cook was never the lead back for the Bulldogs during his four years with the team. He played an important role for the Bulldogs as a top receiving back but was only the team’s No. 2 rusher during his last two seasons at Georgia.
Here is a breakdown of their career stats at Georgia and Florida State respectively.
| Stat | James Cook | Dalvin Cook |
| Games | 46 | 38 |
| Rushes | 230 | 687 |
| Rushing yards | 1,503 | 4,464 |
| Rush TDs | 14 | 46 |
| Yards per carry | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Receptions | 67 | 79 |
| Receiving yards | 730 | 935 |
| Receiving TDs | 6 | 2 |
Dalvin may have had better stats during college, but it’s worth noting that both players averaged 6.5 yards per carry during their careers. James also took home a national championship during his final year. So, he has bragging rights over his brother in that regard.
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James Cook combine vs. Dalvin Cook combine
The two Cooks rank fairly similarly as athletes. James Cook is taller than his brother but is lighter, faster and more explosive. Dalvin Cook is stocky, and powerful but still demonstrated the speed needed to be a big-time playmaker at the NFL level.
Here is a look at how each Cook did during the combine; note that James Cook didn’t participate in all of the drills, unlike his brother.
| Stats | James Cook (2022) | Dalvin Cook (2017) |
| Height | 5-11 | 5-10 |
| Weight | 199 | 210 |
| 40 time | 4.42 | 4.49 |
| Bench press | — | 22 |
| Vertical | 33 | 30.5 |
| Broad | 124 | 116 |
| 3-cone | — | 7.27 |
| Shuttle | — | 4.53 |
The 40-yard dash time for the two came under some scrutiny, as James was initially timed as 0.01 seconds slower than his brother. His official time later came in at 4.42 seconds, but the NFL Network’s Simulcam seemed to show that Dalvin was faster.
Dalvin Cook vs. James Cook 👀 pic.twitter.com/WkfV5vdebB
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 5, 2022
As such, it’s worth wondering whether they are actually about the same speed. But either way, both are very good athletes and while James isn’t as thick as Dalvin, he is still built to find success as an NFL running back.
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James Cook compares himself to Dalvin Cook
At the 2022 NFL Combine, James Cook was asked to compare himself to his brother. He focused on one skill that both of them possess.
“Versatile player, can do it all,” Cook said of his skill set, per Vikings.com. “I can line up in different positions. I’m a dawg, I’m a leader.”
What about his thoughts on his brother? James revealed that Dalvin’s elusiveness is one of his best traits.
“Just how he moves with the ball in his hands and he can make guys miss,” Cook said. “We kind of critique that of each other and make each other better.”
The two would really have a chance to make each other better if they both played with the Vikings in Minnesota. Cook was asked about that possibility and rattled off a wry answer.
“That’d be a plus,” he said, “but they already have a guy.”
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How many siblings does James Cook have?
Dalvin isn’t James’ only sibling. He has six in total: Dalvin Cook, Jameisha Cook, Demarcus Cook, DeAndre Burnett, Daneisha Cook and Jamiya Cook.
Dalvin and James Cook aren’t the only athletes in the family. Burnett played basketball collegiately at Miami and Ole Miss. He also spent a couple of years playing overseas.