4 rookies who need to shine the most in training camp for the Buffalo Bills

James Cook

The final rookie is running back James Cook, who was drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Bills. He will almost certainly have a roster spot but he is the one new addition this offseason that can really help take this offense to the next level.

The Bills had one of the best last year but didn’t have a great threat in the passing game out of the backfield. The hope was Matt Breida would be that player but that never materialized over the season.

Cook is a dynamic playmaker that can be lined up in different parts of the field, whether it is in the backfield, in the slot, or out wide. The Buffalo Bills can get him in those spots right from the start or put him in motion to show the coverage or create mismatches.

Last year, the Buffalo Bills had one of the lowest yards after catch average in the league and James Cook will significantly help in that area. However, there are other things that he may need to show the coaching staff to make sure he is a big part of this offense, particularly picking up blitzes in the backfield. He has shown he can in college and there may not have been a better example than in the National Championship Game on this 40-yard touchdown pass.

In this offense, it would not be surprising if by the end of the year James Cook was the second most important pass catcher behind only Stefon Diggs. He has the potential to have that type of impact but for him to have that role it will need to start in training camp.