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Rookie RBs Hunt, Cook stand out through Week 3

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • The No. 1 and No. 3 graded running backs at PFF through three weeks of the season are both rookies. Kareem Hunt (91.8) and Dalvin Cook (84.2) have hit the ground running and dominated in a way that higher draft picks have yet to do in the pro game.
  • Hunt (94.9) and Cook (88.8) were also the No. 1 and No. 2 graded running backs at PFF in college football last season, putting together some phenomenal numbers between them.
  • Cook broke 82 tackles in his final season at Florida State, leading the nation while racking up 1,086 yards after contact. Hunt was third in broken tackles (69) and averaged 3.5 yards per carry after contact.
  • Hunt was more of a factor as a receiver than Cook, breaking 19 more tackles on 39 receptions and earning a much higher PFF receiving grade.

  • Hunt and Cook are the leading rushers in the league through three games, but they are also the leading two rushers in yards after contact. Hunt (198) and Cook (163) have racked up more yards after being hit than any other rushers.
  • They are also the leading rushers in terms of broken tackles, with Hunt (17) leading the league, and Cook (13) tied for second among ball-carriers. Their work as receivers gives Hunt another four and Cook another three broken tackles.
  • Hunt currently has by far the league’s highest Elusive Rating, an astonishing number of 158.0, while Cook’s score of 60.2 is good for sixth in the league.
  • Both rookies have suddenly become one of the cornerstones of their respective offenses, and will be among the favorites for rookie of the year honors.

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