One of Brandon Beane’s best draft classes that he brought to the Buffalo Bills was back in 2022. He didn’t just bring impactful players, but long-term starters. One of those players that he drafted was running back James Cook out of Georgia, who slipped to the bottom of the second round before the Bills brought him in.
After a good second-half of his rookie season where he ended up with 507 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, Cook has managed to rush for three consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons including leading the league last year with 1,621 yards. The year prior, he led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns. You could make the case that Cook is on his way to being one of the all-time greats for the franchise.
One of the biggest knocks on Cook is that he isn’t a third-down back…and yet he still produces at an elite level for the Bills. It doesn’t matter if he plays all three downs or just one, as long as he produces (which he has), he is still one of the best backs in the league. However, a recent power rankings list has Cook facing a little bit of disrespect.
Recent RB power rankings list shows disrespect to James Cook
Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone made a power rankings list of the best running backs as the offseason continues on, and Cook finds himself at No. 6…that’s right, the league’s leading rusher from last season doesn’t even make it in the Top 5.
Ahead of Cook was De'Von Achane, Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, and Bijan Robinson.
"The NFL leader in rushing yards in 2025 with 1,621, James Cook is sixth in iour power rankings. Cook also led the league in yards per game and was a starter in all 17 games for the Buffalo Bills. Cook added 12 rushing scores and continues to get better every year." said Scataglia.
I would make the argument that Cook belongs in the Top 3, and certainly not at No. 3. Even though Josh Allen is clearly the best player the Bills have, there were times when Cook was the reason why the offense even gained momentum. He is shifty, patient, and when he finds an open lane he gains speed.
Over the last two seasons, Cook has established himself as one of the best backs in football. However, last season’s performance from him deserves more recognition because he was in the same tier as Bijan Robinson. Putting Cook at No. 6 on any running back power rankings is completely ridiculous.
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