The Buffalo Bills have a top-10 running back in the NFL according to one league-wide survey, but is the result just?
Despite leading the entire NFL in rushing yardage, James Cook is not being respected as much as some might expect during the 2026 NFL offseason.
ESPN has started releasing annual offseason player rankings by position. Cook cracked the top-10 among running backs but only at No. 7 overall. That comes after a 2025 season that saw Cook lead the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards.
After such a year, the Bills running back not even cracking the top five… feels like a snub.
ESPN’s breakdown can be found below:
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 10Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: 8
Cook should probably be ranked higher based on his overall body of work, but older players in front of him won’t relinquish the votes. Cook was close to surpassing Henry but ultimately didn’t.
But he was one of five players to appear on every ballot, thanks to a league-leading 1,621 rushing yards last season. He also led the league in rushing yards over expected (358).
Cook is the first Buffalo player to lead the AFC in rushing since Thurman Thomas in 1993. He’s also the first Bill to lead the NFL since O.J. Simpson (1975-76).
“He has a three-down skill set, pass-game value, inside run ability and a speed threat on the outside,” an AFC executive said. “[He] has become a complete player.”
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: NFL players, execs name Bills’ James Cook a top-10 RB ahead of 2026
