What draft pick was James Cook?

James Cook is one of the younger running backs currently playing in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. selected by the Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cook has had an outstanding second year in the league. The Bills' current RB1 is an explosive as well as an elusive running back who when given the opportunity can take it to the house.

Cook is the younger brother of star running back named Dalvin Cook who played for the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL season. Dalvin has recently signed with the Baltimore Ravens after the 2023 NFL regular season came to an end. The younger Cook, following in his big brothers' footsteps, was born in Miami, Florida on September 25, 1999.

Also Read:James cook Contract

James Cook Draft

Cook was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft that took place from April 28-30, 2022 in Paradise, Nevada, signing a four-year contract for $5,832,057. The emerging running back was drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Bills with overall pick number 63.

Cook became the third running back to be selected in that draft class behind Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III who were the first and second running backs to be selected with the 36th and 41st overall picks respectively.

There have been other notable players who are performing at a high level from that draft including defensive end - Aidan Hutchinson, cornerback - Sauce Gardner, quarterback - Brock Purdy, wide receiver - Garrett Wilson, and more.

James Cook College

The 2023 Pro Bowler, Cook went to college at the University of Georgia where he played for the Georgia Bulldogs. Playing on the team for four years from 2018 to 2021, James Cook did not see a lot of action in his first couple of seasons. In his freshman and sophomore years, the Miami native ran for only 284 and 188 yards while averaging 6.9 and 6.1 yards per carry respectively.

His junior year in 2020 was slightly better but he only played in 8 games as the Covid-19 pandemic limited several games from taking place. Yet, in 8 games he managed to cross 300 rushing yards, had 3 rushing touchdowns and started getting more involved in the receiving game.

His best year by far came in 2021, his senior year where he played 15 games and was the lead running back. With 113 touches that year, he rushed for 728 yards averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also had his career-best 7 rushing touchdowns and added a further 4 touchdowns in the air.

James Cook NFL

With 2022 being his rookie year in the NFL, Cook was given the backup role to Devon Singletary. Cook showed flashes of his brilliance and managed to have a decent outing for the Bills in his first professional season with over 500 rushing yards in 89 carries.

By the start of the 2023 NFL season, the Bills had let Singletary go and installed Cook as their starting halfback. He has had a great season and did not disappoint the Bills management. He finished the year with 1,122 rushing yards and although his yards per carry came down from the previous year, the 24-year-old has made a bigger impact with his receiving game catching passes for 445 yards and 4 touchdowns.