Bills Predicted to Add RB With ‘Brinks-Truck’ Power Behind James Cook
James Cook’s breakout season helped the Buffalo Bills establish a formidable rushing game last year, but as they gear up for the 2024 season, their backfield appears to have scarce options.
Following Cook’s successful 1,000-yard season (the team’s first since LeSean McCoy), the Bills parted ways with notable veteran running backs like Latavius Murray, Damien Harris, Nyheim Hines and Leonard Fournette through free agency or release. Although Ty Johnson was re-signed after proving himself as a solid No.2 to Cook in the previous season, there is currently a missing power component within the rushing game of their team.
According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, the team is expected to resolve this issue soon by selecting a running back in the late rounds of the NFL Draft who will offer added support for Cook as a backup.
It is suggested that bills include the position of “Brinks Truck Runner.”
According to Buscaglia’s recommendation, the Bills could opt for South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis with their No. 204 overall pick in order to solidify their backfield. However, he also acknowledged that there is a possibility of using the same draft pick on improving offensive line depth under general manager Brandon Beane’s guidance. Despite this choice, Davis’ multifaceted skillset and flexibility make him stand out as an advantageous selection for Buffalo.
According to Buscaglia, opting for a late-round running back instead of an offensive tackle who may not land a spot on the team would be advantageous. He advises that the Bills prioritize selecting someone with both strength and special teams prowess among those available, citing Isaiah Davis from South Dakota State as this description’s best match.
Davis was labeled a “Brinks-truck runner” by NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein due to his ability to power through tackles and pick up extra yardage after contact.
According to Zierlein’s pre-draft assessment of Davis, he is inherently physical because of his size and has the ability to use his flexibility and footwork when necessary. To succeed in a higher level of play, he must increase his assertiveness and accelerate through openings more efficiently. While Davis lacks quickness for stretching out NFL defenses, focusing on running straight ahead will improve his performance. He possesses enough talent to perform well throughout all three downs and should be considered for mid-round selections.
Last season, the Bills’ power running backs – Murray and Fournette – provided only scant assistance by collectively earning 340 total yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Harris managed to contribute merely 94 yards with one touchdown before succumbing to a neck injury that ended his season prematurely.
Beane has expressed a wish to reduce the number of hits Allen takes while rushing, so although he was often used in short-yardage situations, the Bills primarily relied on quarterback Josh Allen.
Other areas of offense are anticipated to be covered by the upcoming bills.
The Bills are predicted to give greater attention towards selecting a receiver during the draft according to numerous experts. This is particularly due to Stefon Diggs, their primary receiver, having been traded off to Houston Texans and Gabe Davis who held second place exiting in free agency. Beane stated that they aim for versatility from their new pass-catcher while emphasizing on their capacity of creating yards after successfully catching passes.
On the team’s official website, he stated that receivers come in various styles based on size, speed and quickness. Some are adept at catching while others may not have excellent RAC abilities despite good hands. There are also those with smaller builds who can transform into a sort of running back once they possess the ball.
