Minnesota moved from No. 48 to No. 41 in the 2017 second…
Minnesota moved from No. 48 to No. 41 in the 2017 second round for Dalvin Cook, sending Cincinnati pick No. 48 and No. 128. Cook became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the Vikings' most productive modern running backs. Cincinnati selected Joe Mixon at No. 48, and Mixon produced seven strong seasons, a Pro Bowl campaign and major postseason contributions. Both teams found foundational offensive value.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 2017 2nd round pick (48th overall, Joe Mixon)
- pick 2017 4th round pick (128th overall, Josh Malone )
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2017 2nd round pick (41st overall, Dalvin Cook)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota entered the 2017 draft without a first-round pick and aggressively moved from No. 48 to No. 41 when Dalvin Cook remained available. The Vikings sent Cincinnati No. 48 plus fourth-round pick No. 128. Minnesota selected Cook, while the Bengals took Joe Mixon at No. 48 and receiver Josh Malone at No. 128.
Why Minnesota Was Happy
Cook justified the move with elite peak production. He became a four-time Pro Bowler, posted four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2019 through 2022 and served as the centerpiece of Minnesota's running game. Injuries interrupted parts of his early career, but his explosiveness and receiving ability gave the Vikings exactly the high-end offensive weapon they believed had slipped into the second round.
How Cincinnati Matched the Return
The Bengals did exceptionally well without staying at No. 41. Mixon spent seven seasons in Cincinnati, rushed for 6,412 yards and 49 touchdowns, earned a Pro Bowl selection and played a major role in the run to Super Bowl LVI. Malone contributed little, but the extra pick was still a bonus on top of a running back whose Bengals production rivaled Cook's Minnesota value. The two backs offered different peaks and circumstances, yet both became long-term starters. Each club therefore left the exchange with a back who shaped its offense for years.
Final Verdict
Both teams earn an A-. Minnesota paid a sensible premium for a four-time Pro Bowler, while Cincinnati moved down, added a pick and found its own highly productive back. Even Trade.