The Buffalo Bills drafted running back James Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Will Cook produce enough to be on your fantasy football roster, and what is his current ADP in fantasy drafts?
James Cook ADP | Is he worth his current price in fantasy drafts?
Cook’s current ADP is 108th overall as the 40th wide receiver selected in fantasy drafts. This means he’s being taken in the 10th round of standard leagues. Other players drafted in his range include James Robinson and Alexander Mattison.
For as well as the rookie crop of running backs has performed thus far, Cook has left some meat on the bone with his opportunity. The Bills were clearly not enthralled with their duo of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss as they tried to sign J.D. McKissic and then drafted Cook.
As the preseason came to a close, it was clear the pecking order had Singletary as the starter with Cook as the primary backup. Singletary is a fine but unspectacular starter. If Cook was a special talent, he would have won the job over him.
Buffalo has relied heavily upon Josh Allen’s legs since he was drafted. Singletary ran for only 107 more yards than Allen in 2021, and Moss finished with only 26.5 yards a game in 13 contests last year. Cook might not get significantly more in a similar role.
He’s not a bad investment at his ADP, considering this is the proper range for unproven backups. But the optimism I had about his potential in this offense has certainly dampened, and he’s no longer a priority target for me in this range.
Cook’s projected fantasy value in 2022
Buffalo gives a relatively small but not insignificant number of passes to their backs. Cook should do well as a receiver in his opportunities, but it won’t be enough for him to make up for a low-volume running game. He would need to win the lion’s share of designed runs from Singletary.
It’s possible Cook steals that role throughout the season. He looks better in pads than when the play begins, though. He’s not overly explosive or powerful despite a frame that looks intimidating. Buffalo hasn’t scouted the position well.
Adding Rodger Saffold to the line should help the trenches create some running lanes. Losing offensive coordinator Brian Daboll creates further uncertainty, although he didn’t specialize in revolutionizing the ground game. His replacement, Ken Dorsey, was promoted for his work as a quarterbacks coach.
Cook is a fine, rosterable talent, but one that is more likely to give little value than to breakout.