James Cook Named Top-10 RB Despite Bills Snub

Cook’s Historic 2025 Campaign

The Buffalo Bills’ ground game shone brightest in 2025, with James Cook becoming the league’s leading rusher. He tallied **1,621 rushing yards**, an effort that also topped the NFL in yards over expectation by **358**. Cook’s production sparked a Bills offense that ranked at the top of the league in total rushing output. At 26 years old, he now sits as the youngest player to lead the AFC in rushing since Thurman Thomas’s 1993 surge.

Why ESPN Placed Cook at No. 7

ESPN released its latest offseason rankings, placing Cook at **No. 7** among the NFL’s top ten running backs. Despite leading the league in yardage, he missed the elite top‑five spot, a result that feels like a slight to his season‑long impact. The ballot included five players who appeared on every ballot, and Cook was one of them, underscoring his consistency. Analysts note that older backs ahead of him retained voter support, keeping him from climbing higher.

Expert Quote on Cook’s Versatility

An AFC executive praised Cook as a three‑down weapon, highlighting his pass‑game value and ability to break tackles from the inside and the outside. “He has a three‑down skill set, pass‑game value, inside run ability and a speed threat on the outside,” the executive said. According to the same source, Cook is described as “a complete player.” The endorsement comes after a season where Cook proved he can handle multiple responsibilities on the field.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Cook’s achievement marks a rare milestone for Buffalo: he is the first Bills player to lead the AFC since Thurman Thomas in 1993 and the first to headline the NFL rushing charts since O.J. Simpson’s back‑to‑back seasons in 1975‑76. Hitting such benchmarks positions him as a cornerstone for the franchise’s resurgence. If the voting trends shift, Cook could see a jump into the top‑five in next year’s rankings, cementing his status as a true elite back.