Bills Camp Position Preview: Running Backs - Projected Starters, One to Watch

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the upcoming season, several roster hopefuls will use the coming weeks to make their respective cases to earn a spot on the 53-man final product.

With the Bills having concluded mandatory minicamp, all eyes will soon be on training camp for position battles and individual performances.

In that vein, here is our early positional preview of the Bills’ special teams unit.

© Sam Navarro, USA TODAY

Current Depth:

James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans.

Projected Starter: James Cook

Since being drafted by Buffalo in the second round (No. 63 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cook has emerged as one of the conference’s most versatile running backs. During his two seasons with the Bills, Cook has rushed for 1629 yards on 326 carries with five touchdowns. He has also logged 65 receptions for 625 yards and five scoring catches. His efficiency clearly caught the eye of the Bills’ brass — particularly offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who has groomed the former Georgia Bulldog into a feature role.

Though he is well-suited to take carries from the backfield, he can also align in the slot, or be used on jet sweeps. Cook is also quite adept as a receiver both out of the backfield and split out wide. In the Bills offense, Cook has steadily proved that he could play multiple roles, potentially becoming a versatile, all-purpose threat in both the passing game and the running game.

One to Watch: Frank Gore, Jr.

Gore also comes from elite pedigree as the son of former NFL great Frank Gore, Sr. Gore was an effective, physical runner for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles since joining them in 2020. The 5-8, 200-pound back had his most productive year in 2022 when averaging 6.1 yards per carry for 1,382 yards and nine touchdowns — a season for which he earned first team All Sun Belt honors. Last season, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry for 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also notched 27 receptions for 221 yards and three scoring receptions. He was also named offensive MVP of February’s East-West Shrine Bowl.

Though Gore may be smaller than the average pro running back, his toughness, combined with above average instincts, is expected to make him an effective rusher in situational packages, as well as a solid backfield receiver. He may also serve as a quarterback in gadget play situations — as evidenced in a 2021 victory over Louisiana Tech, in which he threw two touchdowns.

Best of the Rest: Ray Davis

Buffalo drafted Davis with pick No. 128 in the NFL Draft. Compactly built at 5-8, 216 pounds, Davis can be the type of multi-faceted back the Bills typically covet. He can also help to mitigate the loss of veteran Damien Harris, who retired from the NFL earlier this offseason.

Davis projects as a powerful rusher, with a great deal of potential as an all-purpose back. Last season, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns. The now former Wildcat is at his best in a change of pace role, and should help to provide Cook with some much-needed rest at times. He is also quite an adept pass-catcher out of the backfield, having caught 33 receptions for 323 yards and seven scores.