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RB James Cook, BUF (2 Viewers)

Georgia senior RB James Cook has a big 67 yard run in the 33-18 win in the National Championship.

This game did not start as the offensive juggernaut like in the SEC championship as defenses were more aggressive, leading to a stalemate of 9-6 Bama lead going into halftime. Almost like a boxing match where the fighters dance around, feel each other out, then go for the big blows later, that’s how you can define the second half of this game. Each team started to take more shots downfield, and it led to the running lanes to open up, which teams took advantage of. The combination of Zamir White and Cook started to move the ball for the Dawgs, and we started to see score jump. The big break came late in the third quarter, when James, the brother of Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook, broke off a 67-yard run to get them to the Alabama 13. White would punch it in for the first touchdown of the game. This was a great send-off for Cook as he will likely join his brother in the NFL this year.

Jan 11, 2022, 12:13 PM ET


Georgia senior RB James Cook posted 141 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown in Friday’s 34-11 victory in the CFP Semifinal (Orange) over Michigan.

Cook rushed for 32 yards on six carries. He inflicted more damage as a receiver as the game started to get away from Michigan. Georgia experimented with a more pass-happy attack in advance of the national title rematch against Alabama. James, the younger brother of Vikings RB Dalvin Cook, flashed the family's skill in corralling the ball in space, offering up a difficult target to square up, and getting upfield. Cook’s 39-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was a bail-out of under-duress UGA QB Stetson Bennett, the sort of thing that may come in handy in the rematch against Alabama. Georgia will be imbedding Cook deep into its gameplan for next Monday's CFP title game against the Crimson Tide.

Dec 31, 2021, 11:35 PM ET

 
Yeah, the highlights of that run got my attention really quickly. 

BMI tells me no-go, though. Not for a top-flight fantasy guy. Somebody useful, yes. But you want to be in between the range of 29.0 and 31.0 

He checks in really light. 26.5 BMI is very low for an NFL running back. 

 
Yeah, the highlights of that run got my attention really quickly. 

BMI tells me no-go, though. Not for a top-flight fantasy guy. Somebody useful, yes. But you want to be in between the range of 29.0 and 31.0 

He checks in really light. 26.5 BMI is very low for an NFL running back. 
Similar build to JD McKissic. Never was the lead back at UGA but did well in his limited opportunities. Very good receiver.  In the right situation he could be a good third down back.

 
rockaction said:
Yeah, the highlights of that run got my attention really quickly. 

BMI tells me no-go, though. Not for a top-flight fantasy guy. Somebody useful, yes. But you want to be in between the range of 29.0 and 31.0 

He checks in really light. 26.5 BMI is very low for an NFL running back. 
at his age, I could see him putting on another 20ish lbs of muscle…

 
According to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler, Georgia RB James Cook has a lot to gain from a good performance at the combine. 

Cook (5'11/190) never got the lead-back role in Georgia, but that doesn't mean he can't be a quality NFL running back. His versatility as a runner and ability to line up as a receiver checks off the box of a three-down back. He also has the speed to make some moves after the catch and his footwork is great when running through the line of scrimmage. Ryan Fowler points out that the combine will be a great opportunity to show off his skills and improve his draft stock. Most draft experts do not have a running back taken in the first round so without a clear top tier back, this could give some people an opportunity to make a push for that top spot.

SOURCE: The Draft Network

Feb 27, 2022, 9:17 PM ET

 
According to Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson, Georgia RB James Cook is drawing interest from across the league.

This running back class isn't deep early but there is a lot of value starting in day two. Cook (5'11/190) is viewed as a do-it-all back that excels in catching the ball out of the backfield and even out wide. With his scheme versatility, there is no surprise that he has a lot of interest league-wide. He currently has visit scheduled with almost half the teams in the league. Wilson also says that he should come off the board during day two.

SOURCE: Pro Football Network

Apr 11, 2022, 3:42 PM ET

 
According to Pro Football Focus' Mike Renner, Georgia RB James Cook is the best receiving running back in the draft.

Cook (5'11/190) is coming into this draft virtually unknown, but experts still see the talent. One of his big runs in the National Championship propelled the Bulldogs to a win, but it's the receiving skills that are getting attention as Renner says that Cook is the best receiver running back in this draft. He has 509 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 43 catches over the last two. His being on a committee with Zamir White doesn't gain him as much attention as some of the other backs in the draft, but he has great value to whoever grabs him.

SOURCE: PFF College

Apr 13, 2022, 7:05 PM ET

 
Bills selected Georgia RB James Cook with the No. 63 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

If you are a Devin Singletary Dynasty league manager, his feared competition has arrived. Cook (5'10/199), Dalvin Cook's younger brother, played four seasons at Georgia, operating as a secondary back to Zamir White. Cook impressed with an all-around skill set, recording 67 receptions and 727 yards in 46 career games. Cook wasn't just a receiving back, showing above-average elusiveness and breakaway ability as a rusher. He has upside to operate as the lead back in a committee, akin to Chase Edmonds or Michael Carter. He won't be the 2022 lead in Buffalo, of course. With a 4.42 40, it's also possible that he emerges as a Nyheim Hines type, carving out a dedicated receiving role.

Apr 29, 2022, 9:24 PM ET

 
Cook seems like what Buffalo wanted McKissic to be, but a better runner.   Wouldn't be surprised if he has a similar amount of catches as rushes.  Or lines up more out wide than behind.  

 
Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team views RB James Cook as a "sub back." 

Beane added that Cook's skill set is similar to J.D. McKissic's. McKissic, of course, agreed to sign with Buffalo this offseason before changing course and re-signing with the Commanders. Beans and the Bills were apparently dead set on filling the pass-catching role in their backfield, taking Cook in the second round of the 2022 draft. Cook, who had 67 catches and 727 yards in 46 games at Georgia, deflates the fantasy upside of Devin Singletary, who emerged as an every-down back in the final weeks of the 2021 season. Beane said Cook could "handle carries too," opening the possibility of a even split in the Bills backfield this year. 

RELATED: 

Devin Singletary

SOURCE: Kevin Cole on Twitter 

May 3, 2022, 10:05 AM ET

 
......then they draft one of Robinson, Gibbs, or Evans next year.  Yes, he will have PPR value, but how much long term?  I believe I'm going to step away from drafting smaller backs in the first round going forward in dynasty.  I've been burned too many times, such as Michael Carter and others.  I have Gainwell on a few teams and I suspect he could get the same treatment as Carter, but I hoping he can get over 200 lbs at the very least.  I feel better if I draft RBs at least 210 lbs and preferably 220.

 
......then they draft one of Robinson, Gibbs, or Evans next year.  Yes, he will have PPR value, but how much long term?  I believe I'm going to step away from drafting smaller backs in the first round going forward in dynasty.  I've been burned too many times, such as Michael Carter and others.  I have Gainwell on a few teams and I suspect he could get the same treatment as Carter, but I hoping he can get over 200 lbs at the very least.  I feel better if I draft RBs at least 210 lbs and preferably 220.
I'm on board with this.  

 
He’s a 3rd down and spell back for Singletary for now. The team has been trying to replace Singletary for a while now so maybe Cook is able to carve a bigger role. Maybe he doesn’t but in this offense the pass catching back isn’t such a terrible “floor”. I know his true floor is total bust, but hopefully the point was made.

 
He’s a 3rd down and spell back for Singletary for now. The team has been trying to replace Singletary for a while now so maybe Cook is able to carve a bigger role. Maybe he doesn’t but in this offense the pass catching back isn’t such a terrible “floor”. I know his true floor is total bust, but hopefully the point was made.
Yeah, this is my take on him also. I've watched some videos on him, he seems to be tackled easily. I saw one play where he chose to go down to avoid contact, instead of making contact with 1 defender to pick up some extra yards. Not that great between the tackle RB, but looks pretty decent in open space. I'm sure he'll have some decent games when the Bills split him out wide, or maybe a screen play to him, but I'm not really sure what to expect from a FF perspective. Maybe a ceiling of Kamara-esque ultra light? I'm in a 16 team IDP 40 player keeper league, and I'm 50/50 on if I'd pick him in the 2nd round(pick 23 or 24 for me). It'll depend on who else is available. 

This is coming from a Bills homer. And I also thought that Singletary wasn't gonna be that great, AND that Zack Moss was gonna take Singletary's job... so take that as you will.

 
Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team views RB James Cook as a "sub back." 

Beane added that Cook's skill set is similar to J.D. McKissic's. McKissic, of course, agreed to sign with Buffalo this offseason before changing course and re-signing with the Commanders. Beans and the Bills were apparently dead set on filling the pass-catching role in their backfield, taking Cook in the second round of the 2022 draft. Cook, who had 67 catches and 727 yards in 46 games at Georgia, deflates the fantasy upside of Devin Singletary, who emerged as an every-down back in the final weeks of the 2021 season. Beane said Cook could "handle carries too," opening the possibility of a even split in the Bills backfield this year. 

RELATED: 

Devin Singletary

SOURCE: Kevin Cole on Twitter 

May 3, 2022, 10:05 AM ET
I don't like the sound of this at all.

I think Cook is more than this but the comment tells me that they envision him in some form of a time share.

I like his value in rookie drafts at around pick 12 in hopes that he earns more than a pass catching role in their offense. but this comment is a bit of wet blanket as far as that outlook.

I am not that excited about the 2022 WR class however so pick 12 still seems like a shot worth taking on Cook.

 
He's going to be the 3rd down back as long as he is good enough in pass protection.  They need someone in the worst way who can be a positive out of the backfield in the passing game.  I'd suspect, they'll use him a lot when they want to go empty as well.  By far the best athlete of the bunch as well. 

They've tried to find someone cheap to do this role the past 3 years (Yeldon, Brieda, McKissic)

Think Gio Bernard, James White type of usage.  PPR only IMO.  Wouldn't be surprised if he had 40ish catches this year though.  DS had 40 last year and Moss had 23.  Starting w/ 2nd NE game, Bills decided that their way of beating 2-high was to check down teams to death instead of trying to run it (b/c they sucked at running).  New OL coach this year though (big time zone running guy FWIW)

Singletary's contract is up at the end of this season and Moss has 1 more year left. 

BTW quick note on Moss, Beane said he had an ankle injury all season last year and couldn't cut well off of his left (I think) foot.  Take that for what it's worth

(edited could -> couldn't b/c I make typos...)

 
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I don't like the sound of this at all.

I think Cook is more than this but the comment tells me that they envision him in some form of a time share.

I like his value in rookie drafts at around pick 12 in hopes that he earns more than a pass catching role in their offense. but this comment is a bit of wet blanket as far as that outlook.

I am not that excited about the 2022 WR class however so pick 12 still seems like a shot worth taking on Cook.
Not someone I want to spend a 1st round pick on, but I've seen him go around 1.8 in a lot of PPR start 1qb leagues.  Like i said earlier, I've learned my lesson from smaller backs going forward.  I've been burned too many times.  Yes, some have PPR value but when I'm picking a RB in the first round I want more than that.

 
BTW quick note on Moss, Beane said he had an ankle injury all season last year and could cut well off of his left (I think) foot
I think you mean he couldn't cut well, because it sounds like he's about to have his left foot amputated if you follow your sentence literally. 

 
yes yes, couldN'T cut well... I'll edit, thanks for catching
No biggie. I just was surprised in a gruesome way while reading it. Heh. 

Kind of like the Ferris Bueller legend going around high school when he missed class. "You mean that Moss nearly lost a foot?!" 

 
I don't like the sound of this at all.

I think Cook is more than this but the comment tells me that they envision him in some form of a time share.

I like his value in rookie drafts at around pick 12 in hopes that he earns more than a pass catching role in their offense. but this comment is a bit of wet blanket as far as that outlook.

I am not that excited about the 2022 WR class however so pick 12 still seems like a shot worth taking on Cook.
Coming from the GM this doesn't worry me one bit.  GM isn't calling the plays nor deciding who plays when, especially not in May.  Cook has plenty of time to establish his role and there's tremendous upside in this offense.  I've taken to preferring these kinds of guys more and more, as injuries are likely to give him some window of bellcow opportunity.  And man oh man, a bellcow in BUF is gonna win me some games.  It becomes a bit more juggling to find starters when all your shots are sharing, but eventually someone's gonna get a backfield to themselves.  Henderson, Hunt, Fournette, those guys produced when the share wasn't available.

 
Dr. Octopus said:
He’s a 3rd down and spell back for Singletary for now. The team has been trying to replace Singletary for a while now so maybe Cook is able to carve a bigger role. Maybe he doesn’t but in this offense the pass catching back isn’t such a terrible “floor”. I know his true floor is total bust, but hopefully the point was made.
you must read Joe B.

He definitely has a vendetta to ditch Singletary

The team, not so much.

Singletary will be the lead back for 2022.

Both backs could be on the field at times, as well 

 
Singletary's contract is up at the end of this season and Moss has 1 more year left. 
This shouldn't be discounted, as the team may not want to give Singletary a second contract and unless Moss bounces back big time, he may not even be on the roster next year.

Cook may have the opportunity to take over in 2023 if he's all that, but of course there is also the risk he gets Michael Cartered if Singletary and Moss aren't around next year. Might be worth the risk though if the draft cost is reasonable.

 
I wouldn't be shocked if Moss wasn't on the team this year.
I was thinking that as well. He's cheap enough to keep around as insurance, but if he's not very effective and doesn't play special teams, not sure what value he brings other than maybe a short yardage specialist.

 
I am a very big supporter of Cook and will be targeting him because I value this type of RB and you can never, ever have enough RB depth...that being said I think the expectation should be there will always be another quality RB with him because that is just how the NFL works now...the key is he carves out his role this year to a point that regardless of who that other RB  is you pretty much know what to expect from him (with the big question probably being TDs fluctuating from year to year).

 
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you must read Joe B.

He definitely has a vendetta to ditch Singletary

The team, not so much.

Singletary will be the lead back for 2022.

Both backs could be on the field at times, as well 
Joe Bryant? No idea what you're talking about - and my statement is based on my observations the past few seasons of what they've done in the draft (Moss and now Cook) and their interested in veterans that become available. I did say that Cook was the backup for now though.  :shrug:

 
Forgot who said it but heard an interesting comment the other day...they said the Bills would like to see Allen run a little less to save on the wear and tear and due to that they targeted an RB like McKissic/Cook so he throws more dump offs instead of running...not sure if that is 100% true but it does make a ton of sense.

 

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