Everyone who watches Buffalo Bills football knows that they don’t just have the best quarterback in the game, but they also have one of the best rushing attacks that is led by a superstar in James Cook. Since taking over as the starter in 2023, Cook has rushed for three consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons and led the league with 1,621 yards last season.
Cook has become one of the best backs in the league, but he wasn’t able to do it without some help in front of him. The offensive line surely deserves credit, but we can't forget about Reggie Gilliam who was the one that helped open up the hole for Cook.
Gilliam spent the last six seasons with the Bills, but now he is a member of the New England Patriots and quite frankly, it’s going to hurt seeing him in a Pats uniform. Now, the Bills are looking for his replacement and they may have it with an undrafted free agent.
Bills UDFA has chance to keep continuity of rushing attack
Fans should be on the lookout for fullback Jackson Acker, who joins the Bills after playing at the University of Wisconsin and could be a great replacement for Gilliam. Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report listed Acker as the Bills’ one undrafted free agent who has the best chance to make the roster going into the season.
"James Cook had a career year for the Bills in 2025, leading the league with 1,621 rushing yards. Some of the credit for that massive season belongs to Reggie Gilliam, who was Cook's lead blocker. But Gilliam joined the rival Patriots in free agency, creating a hole at fullback the Bills addressed by signing Wisconsin's Jackson Acker after the draft." said Davenport.
"Acker will also have to show he can play well on special teams, but if the 6'1" 247-pounder can pull that off, he could do more than just make the roster. He could even be Buffalo's Week 1 starter at fullback." Davenport added.
It would not be surprising to see Acker in the offensive huddle in Week 1, getting lined up to serve as Cook’s lead blocker. Since Joe Brady took over the play calling for the offense in 2023, the rushing attack has become important and there is no reason why it should disappear because of Gilliam not being there anymore.
Acker has the chance to really shine in training camp, and prove that he doesn’t just deserve a roster spot, but he deserves to be a starter as well.
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