Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will have to back up his breakout 2023 season if he’s going to truly capture the attention of those around the NFL.
ESPN is citing personnel across the NFL – from players to coaches and executives – and going position-by-position to rank the top-10 players at each spot on the field.
In terms of running backs, Cook did not crack the list. He does appear in the honorable mention section after being named to his first Pro Bowl last year, but evidently more much come.
ESPN’s note on Cook can be found below:
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“Cook ranked second behind McCaffrey in explosive plays with 40. “[He] runs outside zone well, putting foot in ground and getting up field,” an NFL offensive coach said. “Very productive year. Can catch out of the backfield.”
And entire top-10 list from ESPN’s poll can be found below:
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 08: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs to score a touchdown in the Fourth Quarter during the NFL Match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)
Sep 30, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) fights for extra yards against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby (21) in overtime at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
Jun 11, 2024; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (31) and running back Josh Jacobs (8) are shown during the team’s minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball against Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to running back Saquon Barkley (26) during practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 29: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
oJan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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