Bills' Pro Bowler named biggest snub from ESPN Top 100 rankings

A league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns wasn't enough to get Buffalo's RB1 on the list

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) dives for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

ESPN released their list of the Top 100 NFL players, with Buffalo Bills' running back James Cook being named a one of the biggest snubs from the list.

Ten NFL analysts and insiders were asked to rank players based on expected performance for the 2025 season. While Dion Dawkins and Josh Allen represented the Bills, last season's rushing touchdown leader was missing.

Cook was No. 8 in ESPN's running back rankings, with the top seven all making the top 100, meaning Cook likely would've been the next RB to make the list.

Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) breaks a tackle by San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (6) to get a first down | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

In 2024, Cook ran for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding 32 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod. GM Brandon Beane recently rewarded Cook with a four-year, $48 million extension, including $30 million guaranteed.

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According to Jeremy Fowler, an AFC personnel man explained, "He's perfect for that offense because of his versatility in the running and passing game. He's the focal point of that offense from a skill position standpoint."

Fowler listed other snubs, including Joe Alt, DeVonta Smith, Brian Burns, and Jalen Ramsey. When referencing Cook, he concluded, "He's a well-established back in his prime (25 years old) whose profile should only grow. Yes, he should be in the Top 100.

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) dives for a touchdown as Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) tackles during the second quarter in an AFC wild card game | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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