It’s that time of the year where we are so close, but so far away from the start of training camp which eventually leads into preseason. Then as we all know, once September comes, it’s go time in the NFL and we cannot wait for the start of the season.
Last year, the Buffalo Bills entered the 2024 season with a lot of uncertainty because of their roster overhaul (and not for the best reasons either). However, they went above and beyond with the expectations that people had of them by going 13-4 in the regular season, winning the division by early December, and making a run at the Super Bowl where if Buffalo’s defense could have just stood their ground more, they could’ve faced the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
One player that played an important role in Buffalo’s success was running back James Cook, who was tied for the most rushing touchdowns and rushed for his second consecutive 1,000+ yard season. Behind Josh Allen, Cook is the Bills’ second best playmaker on offense and isn’t close at all.
Up until recently, it seemed like there was ongoing contract drama between the Bills and Cook, who is seeking a contract north of $15 million per year. However, things have been somewhat quiet since Cook showed up to mandatory minicamp and has said he plans on being at next month’s training camp.
Despite the recent drama between Cook and the Bills, there’s no denying that he was one of the league’s best players, yet it was not recognized on CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s Top-100 list of players going into 2025. Prisco’s list had three Bills on it (Josh Allen, Dion Dawkins, Christian Benford).
James Cook is a Top-100 player going into 2025
So, I guess we are overlooking the major improvement at the Bills’ rushing attack led by Cook last season? Got it.
Not only did Cook have the big production, he did it without being a three-down back (which people love to use as an excuse as to why the Bills shouldn’t pay him). However, the fact that he can take the pressure off of Josh Allen and take care of the ball on the ground makes it hard to argue that he isn’t a top 100 player going into this season.