Expect James Cook to shine in the Bills offense

By: Jake Rajala

The Buffalo Bills drafted former Georgia Bulldog James Cook, also known as Dalvn Cook’s younger brother, 63rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Cook was an excellent, bell-cow RB for Georgia in his senior season. He averaged 6.4 YPC, totaled 728 rushing yds, and also nicely recorded 284 receiving yds. Most importantly, he possesses excellent explosiveness and pass-catching ability that should help him transition into having a unique role at the pro level.

Jay from Buffalo News feels that Devin Singletary’s role shouldn’t change a bit with Cook in 2022. He forsees Cook potentially being the starting third-down back in the Bills offense in his rookie season. It would make sense if the Bills incorporated Cook into a pass-catching threat for Josh Allen, as he could be the x-factor that can help the Bills get over the hump. The Patriots did a fantastic job of implementing RB/WR James White in their scheme for Tom Brady (as White was the second SB MVP in Super Bowl 51). Furthermore, Darren Sproles was a fantastic all-purpose weapon for Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers.

Cook will certainly help a Bills passing offense that cut ties with the Cole Beasley and Emmanual Sanders this off-season. The Bills playoff legend Gabriel Davis is expected to take the next step alongside Stefon Diggs and Dawson Knox (9 touchdowns last season), but there should be plenty of opportunities for Cook to excel in the passing game. Perhaps Allen can improve his completion percentage and commit fewer interceptions than last season (15 ints in 2021) with a superb security blanket in Cook.