Buffalo Bills: 5 players facing pivotal offseason program

Buffalo Bills, James Cook
Buffalo Bills, James Cook / Michael Reaves/GettyImages
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Buffalo Bills, James Cook
Buffalo Bills, James Cook / Jason Hanna/GettyImages

Buffalo Bills players facing pivotal offseason: James Cook, RB

Finally, we come to second-year running back James Cook. After spelling Devin Singletary as the complimentary back in his rookie year, Cook is now set to take on a bigger role as potentially the lead back. In his first season with the Bills, Cook ran for 507 yards on 89 carries, which would have put him on pace for well over 1,000 yards, easily, if given a full load.

When the Bills saw Singletary leave via free agency, it seemed as though Cook had the job on lock. But, the Bills did sign free agent running back Damien Harris. Although he has a history of injuries, Harris is a capable back who could be a starter in this league, still, if he's given the opportunity.

Thankfully for Cook, the Bills didn't draft a running back. But, following the draft, Buffalo did sign Latavius Murray. Last year, Murray was the lead back for the Denver Broncos. And, we can't forget about Nyheim Hines, whom the Bills need to get the football to in creative ways.

For Cook, who is a second-round pick from a year ago, this is a huge offseason. It will be on his shoulders to shoulder the load as the team's primary back, and leave no doubt in the coaching staff's mind that he is the right guy for the job.

A lot of Bills fans feel Cook can be a star in this league, if given the right amount of opportunities. So, here's to hoping that, for his sake, Cook proves to the staff that he is by far, and away, the team's top back.

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