Will Buffalo rely heavily on the run with a shaky WR corps?
Heading into last season, the Buffalo Bills made the decision to let running back Devin Singletary (now with the New York Giants) depart for greener pastures. That thrust RB James Cook into the lead role. He responded. After rushing for 507 yards while splitting time with Singletary as a rookie, Cook carried the ball 237 times for 1,122 yards last year. That’s solid production from a lead back, especially with a capable running quarterback factoring in.
Things didn’t go as smoothly further down the depth chart. Damien Harris, signed from the New England Patriots to serve as RB2, suffered a severe neck injury in Week 6 and missed the rest of the season. He retired in March. With Harris lost, the team tried its luck in playing veteran Latavius Murray and even brought RB Leonard Fournette onto the practice squad in late October. While Murray (79-300-4) was the best of the bunch, the overall lack of production from that spot was an issue.
General manager Brandon Beane hopes he has addressed that with the selection of Ray Davis in the fourth round, and perhaps even via the signing of undrafted free-agent RB Frank Gore Jr. With major changes at receiver in Buffalo as well, let’s take a look at the Bills’ backfield to see who holds value in 2024.
NFL.com predicts 3 Georgia Bulldogs to the NFL All-Rookie team…
Three Georgia Bulldogs have been predicted to the NFL’s All-Rookie team for the 2023 season by NFL.com: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: George Pickens #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches a 55 yard pass in the first quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
One of Georgia’s most prolific receivers over the last three years, George Pickens was drafted No. 52 overall by the Steelers this spring. Pickens caught 90 passes for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career for the Bulldogs.
“In his final draft before retiring as the Steelers’ general manager, Kevin Colbert once again landed a bargain receiver in the second round. Pickens is already impressing, showing off his skills during OTAs. Expect whoever lines up at quarterback for Pittsburgh to regularly lean on his speed and strong hands to make big plays downfield.”
Oct 17, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Georgia running back James Cook (4) taunts Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
The Bills got one of the most versatile running backs UGA has seen when it took James Cook with the No. 63 overall pick. Whether it’s from the backfield or line up outside, Cook can find a way to impact the game. The brother of Minnesota Vikings running back, Cook had his best season during the championship run. Cook gained over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns in four years in Athens.
“Buffalo selected a running back in the third round of the draft in 2019 and 2020 (Devin Singletary, ‘19; Zack Moss, ‘20), but I thought they would have interest in Cook late in the second round this year because of his all-purpose value. Expect Cook to approach 1,500 total yards from scrimmage in 2022, taking handoffs when he isn’t catching the ball out of the backfield or from the slot. “
Auburn Tigers quarterback Bo Nix (10) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs inside linebacker Quay Walker (7) at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
The Packers chose Quay Walker with their first pick of the draft at No. 22 overall in an unexpected move. While Walker may not have been the first linebacker tabbed to be taken, his talent and athletic ability is unquestioned. Walker was one of the top performers at the NFL combine. Walker recorded 137 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and 3 pass breakups over four seasons in Athens.
