Top 5 NFC North running backs ranked after Dalvin Cook release

Dalvin Cook's departure is good news for the Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFC North.

Across 26 games against the Minnesota Vikings' three divisional opponents, Cook had 437 carries for 2,020 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 4.62 yards per attempt. He also made 65 receptions for 532 yards and two touchdowns.

The Packers will be pleased to see him playing elsewhere this season. Seven of his 19 rushing touchdowns and both of his receiving touchdowns against NFC North teams came against Green Bay.

Cook leaving Minnesota is significant news for the NFC North. Who are the top five running backs in the division ahead of the 2023 season?

5. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

The Lions will hope Jahmyr Gibbs is way higher on this list by the end of the season. They surprisingly selected Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in April's draft, so they need him to become a star.

Until then, we can't put Gibbs any higher in the rankings, but he has the potential to make a huge impact in the Lions' offense right away.

In his only season with Alabama, Gibbs averaged 6.1 yards per attempt, finishing 2022 with 926 yards and seven touchdowns, along with 44 receptions for 444 yards and three touchdowns.

Along with free-agent signing David Montgomery, the Lions could have one of the best running back duos in the league.