​James Cook is proving himself to be among the NFL’s elite at the position, climbing up the league’s running back ranks and establishing himself as a complete and versatile playmaker. In ESPN’s annual ranking, based on ballots from more than 70 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, the Buffalo Bills back cracked the top ten, moving up to No. 7. This placement marks a one-spot rise from his position a year ago, and it comes on the heels of a standout 2025 season in which Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards. His performance solidified his status as a premier ball-carrier, and his consistency was underscored by the fact that he was one of only five running backs to appear on every ballot.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested that Cook arguably deserved an even higher ranking, but he came just short of overtaking Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens for the No. 6 spot. The evaluation process highlighted Cook’s evolution into one of the league’s most well-rounded backs. An AFC executive quoted by ESPN pointed to Cook’s three-down skill set, noting his value as a pass catcher, his inside running ability, and his speed threat on the outside. The executive emphasized that Cook has developed into a complete player, capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
Cook’s emergence has also been reflected in advanced metrics. He led the NFL in rushing yards over expected (358), according to NFL Next Gen Stats, a testament to his efficiency and impact beyond the box score. His breakout season saw more than raw yardage; it showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes, making him a constant threat on every snap.
Historically, Cook’s achievements with the Bills hold particular significance. He became the first Bills player to lead the AFC in rushing since Thurman Thomas accomplished the feat in 1993. Additionally, Cook marked the franchise’s first NFL rushing champion since O.J. Simpson led the league in rushing in 1975 and 1976, highlighting the rarity and magnitude of his production within Bills history.
In the ESPN rankings, several backs were positioned ahead of Cook, including Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry. Cook’s leap placed him ahead of other notable ball-carriers, such as De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins (No. 8), Kenneth Walker III of the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9), and Breece Hall of the New York Jets (No. 10). This ranking reflects Cook’s continued ascent and the wider recognition of his evolving game.
The broader takeaway from these rankings is a portrait of a player who has evolved from a stout rusher into a dynamic, all-around back who can influence plays in multiple ways. Cook’s improved pass-catching ability, his efficiency as a rusher, and his explosive speed give him the tools to be a perennial cornerstone for the Bills’ offense. As he continues to mature in his role, he may very well push further toward the upper echelon of the league’s top running backs.
This material originally appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, highlighting the Bills’ star’s ascent toward the top tier of NFL running backs as determined by a voting pool of league executives and decision-makers.