James Cook

Power and short-yardage running will probably never be part of Cook's skill set, and with that limitation comes a likely cap on his fantasy production. If he can overrule that limitation, it would have to be via pass-catching production, which was a clear strength last season for the 2022 second-round pick. Whereas Cook's rushing work from 2023 can be imitated easily enough, it's not so easy for an offense to find a running back that can turn 54 targets into 44 catches for 445 yards and four touchdowns. While that type of efficiency is difficult to maintain even for a skilled pass-catching back, Cook can make up for any efficiency losses with a larger target count this upcoming season. It might be necessary in order for him to repeat last year's fantasy production, as QB Josh Allen's dominance of goal-line carries means Cook isn't guaranteed to improve much on last year's total of two rushing touchdowns (on 237 attempts). The addition of rookie fourth-round pick Ray Davis could introduce a short-yardage nuisance and some competition for early down snaps, but as long as Cook maintains his monopoly on Buffalo's RB targets the formula from 2023 should mostly remain in place for 2024.

Cook played a minimal role in the Buffalo offense as a rookie, logging just 257 snaps in 16 games, but the second-round pick out of Georgia was effective when he got the ball. He had six carries of 20 or more yards, averaging 5.7 YPC on 89 attempts, but his receiving production was less encouraging as he caught just 65.6 percent of his targets for 5.6 YPT. Cook largely was prized for his pass catching coming out of Georgia last year -- an important point in a sales pitch that otherwise had to grapple with the fact that Cook was never more than a rotational back in college. Free-agent pickups Damien Harris and Latavius Murray are threats to handle some of the valuable rushing reps near the goal line, but Cook should have a fairly clear path to the passing-down work. Cook is the only member of the backfield with the potential to make an impact as both a runner and receiver, and he's the only one backed by a major investment from the team.

Drafted 63rd overall this year, Cook might be a luxury pick for a Super Bowl contender without many glaring needs, but that doesn't mean he won't have an impact. Dalvin's younger brother doesn't have a path to the same kind of role the elder Cook enjoys in Minnesota, but the Georgia product did show a well-rounded skill set last year, producing 1,012 yards and 11 TDs on only 140 touches as part of a backfield committee with fellow NFL draft pick Zamir White (fourth round). Cook lacks ideal size to grind out yards between the tackles, but that's not really the Bills' strength anyway, and his strong receiving production last season (284 yards, four TDs) suggests he could be a good fit in one of the NFL's more pass-happy offenses. Buffalo brings back Devin Singletary as the likely lead runner and still has Duke Johnson and Zack Moss as depth options, but Cook might ultimately prove to be the best of the bunch.