The Buffalo Bills are staring down a potential crisis. With James Cook’s contract dispute dragging on and no resolution in sight, Buffalo might already be planning for life without their starting running back. But in a recent Pro Football Network mock draft, they found what could be the perfect solution.
Who Could Replace James Cook in Buffalo’s Backfield?
With the final pick in the second round of a mock-up posted on Saturday, the Bills drafted Oregon Ducks running back Makhi Hughes. Hughes, the No. 64 overall choice, was the fourth ball carrier selected.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love was the first tailback off the board, going to the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 16 overall pick. Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton (No. 51, Jacksonville Jaguars) and Washington’s Jonah Coleman (No. 63, Minnesota Vikings) also went before Hughes.
Hughes joined the Ducks as a transfer from Tulane this offseason. He had over 1,900 rushing yards after contact over the past two seasons, third behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, both of whom were first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“He’s gotta prove he can be this good in the Big Ten, as well, coming over from the American Athletic Conference, but there’s no denying, just purely on tape, Makhi Hughes is one of the best running backs in college football,” Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick said in May. “Over at Oregon right now, he could be an elite player for the Ducks.”
Hughes rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. He’s totaled 24 touchdowns as a collegian.
How Critical Is Cook’s Contract Situation for Buffalo?
The longer Cook’s situation remains ugly, the more untenable it will get for Buffalo in 2025.
“I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said last month. “Again, the start of training camp will be the next critical moment. If they don’t have a deal done there or by then, does James Cook show up for training camp? Does he risk the penalties that come along in the collective bargaining agreement if he doesn’t show up?”
Schefter added that he doesn’t believe the two sides were “anywhere close to a deal at this point in time.” If something doesn’t get ironed out, the insider feels it could cast clouds over what is a promising season for reigning Associated Press NFL MVP Josh Allen and the Bills.
Cook said during a podcast appearance this offseason that he wants to be paid what he deserves, which he feels is around $15 million annually.
