Instant analysis: Bills add to backfield, pick James Cook in Round 2

Instant analysis: #Bills add to backfield, pick James Cook in Round 2:

The Buffalo Bills selected Georgia running back James Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Cook, a senior from Georgia, played in 50 games for the Bulldogs, During his senior season, Cook led Georgia in all-purpose yards (1,032 yards). In four seasons, Cook rushed 230 times for 1,503 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground. Cook added 67 receptions for 730 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions.

Cook is the third running back selected over the past four seasons for the Bills. All three of the selections occurred on Day 2 of the Draft. Cook joins Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, giving Buffalo a full complement of backfield options.

Of the trio, Cook is the most dynamic runner. He reads zone-blocking well and explodes into space. Cook’s film shows a strong ability to change direction quickly.

When necessary, Cook uses good patience to set up running lanes, slashing through holes. Cook has good hands out of the backfield as well:

The knock on Cook is that he doesn’t have the power and frame to be a three-down back in the NFL. He will be a situational runner for the Bills. In addition, Cook has some work to do as a blocker.

Buffalo traded down twice prior to picking Cook. The Bills moved from the 57th overall spot down to No. 60 in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then, the Bills dropped down the order three more spots to No. 63 after swapping with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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