James Cook is running with the NFL’s best.
The Buffalo Bills running back moved up to No. 7 in ESPN’s annual rankings of the league’s best running backs, which are based on votes from more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
Cook finished one spot higher than a year ago after leading the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards in 2025. He also was one of only five running backs to appear on every ballot.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Cook “probably should be ranked higher” but fell just short of overtaking Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry for the No. 6 spot.
Cook’s development into one of the league’s most complete backs stood out throughout the voting.
“He has a three-down skill set, pass-game value, inside run ability and a speed threat on the outside,” one AFC executive told ESPN. “(Cook) has become a complete player.”
Cook also led the NFL in rushing yards over expected (358), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
He became the first Bills player to lead the AFC in rushing since Thurman Thomas in 1993 and the franchise’s first NFL rushing champion since O.J. Simpson led the league in 1975 and 1976.
The six running backs ranked ahead of Cook in the ESPN rankings are Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr GIbbs, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry.
Cook finished ahead of Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (No. 8), Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (No. 9) and New York Jets running back Breece Hall (No. 10).
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills star moves closer to the top of NFL rankings voted on by executives
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