The younger brother of Minnesota Vikings Pro-Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, James Cook grew up in South Florida. Attending Miami Central High, he never eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season. In three seasons, he totaled 2,019 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. As a recruit, James Cook was the No. 3 RB in the country in 2018, with with a four-star rating and an 85 Scouting Grade. His older brother Dalvin was also ranked as the No. 3 RB in the country, also a four-star recruit and with a Scouting Grade of 87.
From 2018-2020, Cook never exceeded 50 carries in a season due to the crazy depth in the running back room in Georgia with NFL talents D'Andre Swift, Elijah Hoylfield and Zamir White. Though Cook never exceeded 50 rush attempts in a season, he was able to pull in 40 receptions during three seasons as a Bulldog. In his senior year (2021), even while still playing along with fellow 2022 NFL Draftee Zamir White, Cook finished with 113 carries, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He also reeled in 27 receptions and scored 11 total touchdowns, helping the Bulldogs to a National Title.
Cook was selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He entered a crowded backfield already manned by Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. Cook was used sparingly in the 2022 season, eclipsing a 40-percent Snap Share just four times during the season. Singletary departed for Houston and the team only brought in veteran Damien Harris, setting up Cook to take over the backfield in 2023. Cook had an average start to the '23 season, but the entire offense appeared to struggle, leading the team to make a change at offensive coordinator. From Weeks 10-15, Cook had four finishes as a top 12 RB in fantasy, mostly propelled by the offenses shift in using cook in the passing game. The Bills may add a depth peice in the draft to help supplement Cook, but he proved he can contribute to an offense in the right setting.
