While it is still a long shot that former Noles superstar Dalvin Cook will be available when the Bucs pick at No. 19, the team is still doing their homework, and have brought Cook in for a pre-draft official visit, as reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
#FloridaSt RB Dalvin Cook is flying down to Tampa to visit the #Bucs, source said. They continue to explore options at that position.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 12, 2017
Cook had three straight 1,000 yard seasons for the Seminoles, including a career-high 288 carries for 1,765 yards with 19 touchdowns as a junior in 2016.
The Buccaneers will most likely select a running back in this month’s draft, especially with the Doug Martin situation still up in the air. Martin is suspended for the first three games of the 2017 season after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Mock drafts have been all over the place, with some saying Cook could fall to Tampa Bay at No. 19. Sources have told PewterReport.com that the team thinks it is unlikely Cook will drop to the Bucs, however.
Still adding a dynamic playmaker like Cook if possible would give Jameis Winston and the Bucs offense one more weapon as they prepare for a what is hoped to be a playoff run this upcoming season.