Patriots 'Better Fit': Dalvin Cook vs. DeAndre Hopkins?

The New England Patriots are after free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but should they turn their attention to Dalvin Cook?

The New England Patriots are after the signature of free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins that much we know, as evidenced by their visit and subsequent offer. Yet, there is another free-agent that we haven't heard much about in connection to the Patriots, running back Dalvin Cook, until now.

While speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show," an ex-NFL executive, Michael Lombardi, gave what some may consider a hot take, saying he believes the Patriots are a better fit for Cook than Hopkins. So why is that?

“I actually believe Dalvin Cook would be a better fit than Hopkins for that,” Lombardi said. “[Rhamondre] Stevenson is a great player. There’s no question, but without Stevenson, if he goes down it’s Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. They need another back back there and I think Cook is one of those really good change of pace, catch a screen, go a long way. I think he’ll make a huge difference for the Patriots offense with Stevenson.”

When speaking about Hopkins, Lombardi mentioned rumors of him not wanting to practice, which may not be a perfect cultural fit for the Patriot Way. Yet, as Lombardi acknowledges, there is a lot of self-proclaimed mutual respect between Hopkins and coach Bill Belichick. 

And while Lombardi's point about the Patriots' depth in the backfield being limited following the release of James Robinson, the hope is Ty Montgomery can be that serviceable No. 2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Although injuries recently are an issue for the eight-year NFL veteran, the Patriots must ask themselves if they can trust Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris to fill in. 

Ultimately, an argument can be made that the Patriots need another veteran to join their running back room, but it seems unlikely that they'd like to pay the value of landing Cook, who is still at his best rushing for his fourth-straight season. Instead, it would make more sense for the Patriots to spend whatever it cost to land Hopkins, who'd immediately improve their receiving core.

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