The NFL Draft is an event where we see dreams come true, but also see current players express how they may feel about a team’s draft decision. At the end of the day, the NFL is a business and sometimes we forget about that. Teams have to make decisions that are in their best interest for the present day, as well as the future.
The Buffalo Bills are no stranger to this kind of setup, especially under general manager Brandon Beane. Throughout his tenure with the Bills, Beane has made tough decisions that were necessary, but maybe not the most popular. That might just happen again next month in Green Bay.
Running back James Cook is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and he’s been very vocal on what he is seeking. Looking to make $15 million per season, the Bills have a tough decision to make with their star playmaker.
Brandon Beane has been very good at extending players on the roster but this might his most challenging contract to manage. It’s been public knowledge that Cook is looking to get the bag, but it’s hard to imagine a world where Beane gives in.
Buffalo already has Ray Davis on a cheap rookie contract and he showed signs of greatness last season. However, the Bills run by a committee in their backfield and who knows if they want to put a lot of money at a position where they have 2-3 backs playing in a game.
If the Bills don’t plan on extending James Cook, like they have with Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Greg Rousseau, then Buffalo may want to explore the idea of drafting Cook’s replacement next month.
4 RB prospects that could eventually replace James Cook in Buffalo
Kaleb Johnson - Iowa
It was a fantastic 2024 season for Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson who had 240 carries and rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. He averaged 128 yards per game only had one game where he didn’t reach the endzone.
Johnson is a bigger back who ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and can be compared to a bigger version of current Bills running back, Ray Davis. It’s a been a long time since Buffalo has had a bigger running back. Johnson has the potential to be a starter in this league and adding him into Buffalo’s offense behind Josh Allen would make their rushing attack very physical.
Bhayshul Tuten - Virginia Tech
Yet another productive back who has a bigger frame that would excel in Buffalo’s offense. Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 1,000+ yards in two of his four collegiate seasons. He was also a touchdown-scoring machine with 10+ rushing touchdowns in three of his four seasons.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Tuten to Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pacheco, who runs with a lot of power. Pacheco has been an enemy of the Bills for the last couple of seasons, so why not add someone like him to pair with Josh Allen?
Ollie Gordon II - Oklahoma State
Staying on the track of drafting a bigger running back, Ollie Gordon II out of Oklahoma State had a solid 2024 season (880 yards and 13 touchdowns), but it wasn’t even close to what he did in 2023. Gordon put up 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, along with 330 yards through the air.
It gets cold in Buffalo in November/December time and the Bills have to make sure they keep their rushing attack strong that way they don’t depend on Josh Allen to run the ball a majority of the time. Not to mention, Buffalo’s “tush push” play has been successful but having someone like Gordon could help take the risk of Allen getting hurt away if you plug Gordon under center.
TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State
I had TreVeyon Henderson being James Cook’s replacement in a mock draft and he still could be a possibility for Buffalo. He knows what it’s like to play in colder weather and he has a similar play style to James Cook.
As a member of the Buckeyes, Henderson ran for 1,000+ yards in two seasons and averaged 10 rushing touchdowns per season. He actually would be the perfect complimentary back with someone like Ray Davis since he isn’t a bruiser like the other three prospects listed above.