Even though there are mixed feelings about the running back position, it is such an important one because it helps take pressure off of the offense. Teams have to establish the run in order to set up for the pass. While one of the main goals for each team is to have a franchise quarterback, having a dynamic running back to pair with them.
When you think about the Buffalo Bills, the first player that comes to thought is Josh Allen. He is the franchise and the one who has to carry the Bills to victory at times. In the beginning of his career, the Bills couldn’t get a run game going unless Allen was involved. Then in the 2022 NFL Draft, that changed when the Bills acquired James Cook.
Since his second season, Cook has done nothing but improve his performance and he has led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (16 in 2024), and was crowned as the league’s leading rusher with 1,621 yards last season. It’s a good thing that the Bills managed to get a contract extension done with Cook prior to last season otherwise there could have been a world where Cook isn’t on the Bills.
There is no doubt that Cook is one of the best, and one of his old teammates on the Bills is saying that he will be the best back in 2026.
Mitch Morse makes realistic James Cook prediction for 2026
On Good Morning Football, Manti Te’o, LeGarrette Blount, and former Bills center Mitch Morse each predicted who will be the best running back in 2026, and Morse is going with his guy who he used to block for in Buffalo.
Te'o voted for Lions' running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Blount is going with Falcons' running back Bijan Robinson.
Our crew made their picks.
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 17, 2026
Who you got as the RB1 in 2026? 👇@M_Morse_IGC | @LG_Blount pic.twitter.com/kJrIr4Kjs3
All of these players are valuable picks, there’s no denying it. When it comes to Cook, he is someone who can be patient and wait for an open hole before going to the second and third level. For his career, Cook is averaging over five yards a carry, meaning that Buffalo can essentially do nothing but run the entire drive and eventually get on the scoreboard.
Ever since Joe Brady took over as the play caller back in 2023, the Bills’ rushing attack has become one of the best in the league. Now that Brady is the head coach, there is no reason why that approach should go away.
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