The Buffalo Bills had a strong running game in 2023 behind James Cook, who was the first running back for the team to exceed 1,000 yards since LeSean McCoy.
There is a possibility that the Bills will acquire a talented young player through the NFL Draft. An expert believes the team will pick up a “fearless” running back who was the leading rusher in the SEC last season. According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller's seven-round mock draft, the Bills might select Missouri running back Cody Schrader with one of their three fifth-round picks. This would add a powerful rusher that the team currently lacks. Bills Address Backfield With Draft Pick
The Bills lost a lot of talent from their backfield last year when
Latavius Murray Leonard Fournette and became free agents and Damien Harris announced his retirement. The team also let go of speedy running back/return specialist Nyheim Hines , who missed the 2023 season due to a torn ACL.Miller predicted that the Bills could enhance their team with Schrader, who
was described as an “ornery and competitive” back who led the SEC last season with 1,627 rushing yards by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. Zierlein pointed out that Schrader is good at short-yardage situations and pass protection — both of which are not strengths for Cook. “He’s a compact runner with limited explosiveness, but he excels as an outside-zone runner because of his vision, decisiveness, and fearlessness when going through the line,” Zierlein said. “He’s a workhorse who is more likely to wear down a defense rather than break free for long runs. He is also effective at protecting the quarterback from blitzes. Teams should consider his significant production despite having average physical abilities. He seems to have a good chance of being a second or third-string running back with the ability to play in all three downs.” Schrader could also help reduce the pressure on quarterback Josh Allen, who was the primary ballcarrier in short-yardage situations last season. Although Allen was successful, both general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have expressed a desire to decrease the number of hits that Allen takes.
Bills Bring Back Veteran Running Back
The Bills have already taken steps to address their backfield issues by signing veteran running back Ty Johnson to a new contract after a strong season with Cook. Johnson started the season on the practice squad but was moved to the active roster after Harris suffered a season-ending neck injury and another team attempted to sign him.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Los Angeles Rams had
attempted to recruit Johnson
from the practice squad, prompting the Bills to make him part of the active roster. “The #Bills promoted RB Ty Johnson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad after the #Rams tried to sign him earlier in the week,” Rapoport shared.
Johnson rose to become the No. 2 back behind Cook, rushing 30 times for 130 yards and catching seven passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. His role expanded during the playoffs, with Johnson carrying the ball eight times for 26 yards in a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and seven times for 40 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the following week. The Buffalo Bills are expected to select Missouri running back Cody Schrader towards the end of the NFL Draft this year.
Cook rose to the role of No. 2 back behind Cook, rushing 30 times for 130 yards and making seven receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. His role continued to grow in the playoffs, with Johnson taking eight carries for 26 yards in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and seven carries for 40 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the following week.
