Predicting Big 2023 Season for Kaiir Elam and James Cook

[RoyBatty is alive]

I think both will have a major uptick in playing time and productivity in 2023.  We all know how difficult it is for rookies in the NFL and how reticent McDermott is to play rookies.  Both now have a year  and I think both have have a great season.

 

James Cook. On his first career carry, Cook fumbled which really put him in the dog house.  With the exception of the blowout win 41-7 over the Titans, Cook averaged only 3.7 carries a game until December after which he averaged 8.6/game, among other factors took a while for them to have faith in him.  He only had 89 total carries for the years with 507 yards, an impressive 5.7/carry (even if you take out his longest run, a TBD favorite stat, it was still 5.4/carry).  He didn't have much in terms of a seasoned RB room with Zach Moss and Devon Singletary.  I think the addition of veterans Murray and Harris (the "patriot way", fwiw) can only help.  Most importantly, the Bills made a concerted effort to beef up the interior of the O Line. He can crack through the front line with some real O line help, he might get into the open to use his speed.

 

Also more experience receiving the ball.  I think the much maligned Dorsey could even split him out as a WR.  In combination with the hybrid WR/TE Kincaid, could present some real match opportunities.

 

He isnt the biggest back and probably never be a 200+ carry/year, (good reason to have Murray and Harris) but I think in yards from scrimmage, he can crack 1,000 yards.

 

Kaiir  Elam.  I strongly encourage listening to the Cover 1 interview with Kaiir Elam.  The easy manner he can discuss in depth how he reads and bates the QBs is entertaining, not something I expected from a 1 year experience player.  And he answered decisively, he appeared to know what he is supposed to do cold.  I love it when talking about Pickett he said he was "young" and tried to be a "gunslinger", not arrogantly just matter of fact and how he baited Pickett to throw the int.  He studies his opponents and if you recall, on the draft interview he had notes on all the college receivers he faced, it wasn't marketing ploy, i think it was legit.

 

He came out of Florida , transition from more man and it takes time to master the NFL zone coverages, one of the factors why he had a regular season PFF grade of only 56.7 but then a playoff PFF grade of 87.1.

 

I think Kaiir wins starting CB#2 and I will put  the over/under on regular season INTS in 2023 at 4.

Edited June 26, 2023 by RoyBatty is alive

[Royale with Cheese]

I have no idea what to expect for Elam.

 

I do expect Cook to become lethal.  I think he explodes this year.

[KDIGGZ]

I don't think any 2022 draft picks start this year. Ouch! Go Bills?

[The Jokeman]

Just now, KDIGGZ said:

I don't think any 2022 draft picks start this year. Ouch! Go Bills?

Elam, Cook and Shakir have a good shot of starting. Benford could be in the mix as a spot starter.  Bernard has a chance but I like Dorian Williams' speed better. 

[KDIGGZ]

31 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Elam, Cook and Shakir have a good shot of starting. Benford could be in the mix as a spot starter.  Bernard has a chance but I like Dorian Williams' speed better. 

So none of them. Coulda woulda shoulda

[msw2112]

31 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Elam, Cook and Shakir have a good shot of starting. Benford could be in the mix as a spot starter.  Bernard has a chance but I like Dorian Williams' speed better. 

 

I agree that Shakir will have a good season, whether he starts or not.  I also see contributions from Benford (he contributed last year and has one more year of NFL experience under his belt).  I also agree that Elam and Cook should be better and contribute more.  I have not see enough of Bernard to make a judgment, but hopefully a year with an NFL training and nutrition staff has bulked him up a bit, plus another year to learn the playbook.  Bernard is a guy that is supposed to have great intangibles, so hopefully some work on the physical and mental side of the game will pay off.

[Einstein]

Too many variables. Can’t predict. 

[billsfan89]

I expect Cook to be a thousand-yard rusher by a wide margin. I think getting a year under his belt plus the revamped interior O-line will only help him. Given that Hines is likely a third-down back and Harris/Murray are likely situational power backs I see plenty of carries and snaps for Cook to achieve these lofty expectations. 

[RoyBatty is alive]

2 minutes ago, Einstein said:

Too many variables. Can’t predict. 

Thanks for stating the obvious with another value added opinion..

 

Life must be very difficult for you, too many variable, you cant predict anything.

[Einstein]

2 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

Thanks for stating the obvious with another value added opinion..

 

Life must be very difficult for you, too many variable, you cant predict anything.

 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

6 minutes ago, billsfan89 said:

I expect Cook to be a thousand-yard rusher by a wide margin. I think getting a year under his belt plus the revamped interior O-line will only help him. Given that Hines is likely a third-down back and Harris/Murray are likely situational power backs I see plenty of carries and snaps for Cook to achieve these lofty expectations. 

 

I hope we just use Hines like a running back and not some... specialty gadget player.  Guy averages like 100 or so touches per year and buffalo can't even get him 100 SNAPS in 9 games.  He had fewer snaps than Moss who he was traded for.  

[RoyBatty is alive]

1 minute ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

I hope we just use Hines like a running back and not some... specialty gadget player.  Guy averages like 100 or so touches per year and buffalo can't even get him 100 SNAPS in 9 games.  He had fewer snaps than Moss who he was traded for.  

I don't necessarily disagree with you but think that was more or less decided when we added Harris and Murray.  He will be a return man/backup RB and gadget player.  A McKenzie that doesn't drop the ball as much.

[BuffaloBillyG]

1 minute ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

I don't necessarily disagree with you but think that was more or less decided when we added Harris and Murray.  He will be a return man/backup RB and gadget player.  A McKenzie that doesn't drop the ball as much.

Agree. I think his path to snaps is in the event of a Cook injury. Other than that I see Hines getting maybe 1-3 touches a game on offense. I think Cook/Harris eat up the high majority of RB touches.

[eball]

In the “name your breakout player” thread a month or so back I named Cook. I think he’s going to be a beast. 
 

I also think Elam will quiet his detractors; he was already showing signs of “getting it” at the end of the year. 
 

[John from Riverside]

28 minutes ago, Einstein said:

 

OK I spit my coffee out over this one pretty good Einstein

[BigDingus]

I'll be honest, I don't have any expectations for Elam this year. I hope to be surprised & that he kills it out there, but I don't buy the idea that McDermott is just too conservative with rookies & was afraid to play him much.

 

On the other hand, the sky's the limit with Cook. It requires Dorsey to commit to using him, but I think he'll be great if given more opportunities. If the Bills can finally figure out how to use screens effectively, it'll be even better.

[ControllerOfPlanetX]

Cook - A revival of 1973 -  2003 yards.

Elam. - the second coming of Robert James.

[billsfan89]

43 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

I hope we just use Hines like a running back and not some... specialty gadget player.  Guy averages like 100 or so touches per year and buffalo can't even get him 100 SNAPS in 9 games.  He had fewer snaps than Moss who he was traded for.  

 

Hines should both be a gadget player and a third-down back on third and long/medium situations. He is by far the best pass catching back on the roster so it would be a tragic misuse of him to not have him in the backfield on obvious passing situations. 

[RoyBatty is alive]

1 minute ago, billsfan89 said:

 

Hines should both be a gadget player and a third-down back on third and long/medium situations. He is by far the best pass catching back on the roster so it would be a tragic misuse of him to not have him in the backfield on obvious passing situations. 

Makes sense, I have no idea if Hines can pass block.  Cook is supposed to be a great receiver as a RB, lets see if Dorsey can adequately use him.

 

Just like Kincaid at TE, lets see what Dorsey can scheme up to utilize him to the utmost.

[Don Otreply]

55 minutes ago, Einstein said:

 

You’re stealing my stuff dude, 😂

[BillsShredder83]

3 hours ago, msw2112 said:

 

I agree that Shakir will have a good season, whether he starts or not.  I also see contributions from Benford (he contributed last year and has one more year of NFL experience under his belt).  I also agree that Elam and Cook should be better and contribute more.  I have not see enough of Bernard to make a judgment, but hopefully a year with an NFL training and nutrition staff has bulked him up a bit, plus another year to learn the playbook.  Bernard is a guy that is supposed to have great intangibles, so hopefully some work on the physical and mental side of the game will pay off.

I expect a nice year outta Bernard. The flashes are there on his college tape.  He got picked knowing he'd need to bring his size up (planned red-shirt all along), which is much easier to do than a player that struggles with the mental.  Cant wait to see a bunch of posters get their nose rubbed in their mess after it happens too. 

[Dopey]

2 hours ago, Einstein said:

 

Made me spit out my 🍺. Good one!

Having said that, this is much better than that graph you created. Sorry, couldn’t resist. 

[Kwai San]

I'm all in on both......amazing how many folks just love to crap on these guys.  Your home lives must be absolutely miserable.

[stinky finger]

5 hours ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

I hope we just use Hines like a running back and not some... specialty gadget player.  Guy averages like 100 or so touches per year and buffalo can't even get him 100 SNAPS in 9 games.  He had fewer snaps than Moss who he was traded for.  

 

Prepare for disappointment.

[In Summary]

Cook had some knack for running between the tackles. Really liked that since his presence on the field won't simply be a tell of a certain kind of play.

[Just in Atlanta]

6 hours ago, Einstein said:

Too many variables. Can’t predict. 

I predict at some point in your life you will eat French toast, step on gum, and complain about Sean McDermott. 

[BigAl2526]

8 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

Elam, Cook and Shakir have a good shot of starting. Benford could be in the mix as a spot starter.  Bernard has a chance but I like Dorian Williams' speed better. 

I think Cook starts.  I think Elam is in the competition, but I think the competition is real with Jackson and Benford.  I think McDermott places great trust in experience, and Jackson has by far the most experience of the three.  Elam has to prove he's better than both Benford and Jackson, and the difference has to be noticeable.  I think Shakir is a long shot to start.  Gabe Davis really needs to drop the ball (literally and figuratively) for Shakir to get a shot.  I think the coaching staff still believe in Davis.  Beane certainly does.  By the way, Shakir wasn't any more sure handed than Davis last season.  Slot receiver is going to be greatly devalued this upcoming season IMO as Kincaid is going to fill that role.  He'll be a tight end playing slot receiver for the most part.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

21 hours ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

I don't necessarily disagree with you but think that was more or less decided when we added Harris and Murray.  He will be a return man/backup RB and gadget player.  A McKenzie that doesn't drop the ball as much.

 

See thats what i don't want - just use him as a back.  Cook and him in the backfield on 3rd downs - Hines with 12 personnel on 3rd and medium.  Etc.

[NewEra]

41 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

See thats what i don't want - just use him as a back.  Cook and him in the backfield on 3rd downs - Hines with 12 personnel on 3rd and medium.  Etc.

Cook and Hines in the backfield takes knox or Kincaid off the field. No thanks.

 

hines is borderline useless in this offense imo.  Cook >>>>>>>>>>>>> hines

[RoyBatty is alive]

27 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Cook and Hines in the backfield takes knox or Kincaid off the field. No thanks.

 

hines is borderline useless in this offense imo.  Cook >>>>>>>>>>>>> hines

I hate to agree with you.  Hines record as a RB is not impressive.  He has averaged 3.9/yc and in 5 years scored 10 rushing TDs.  Looking at his numbers I dont really understand the trade beyond the Bills were unimpressed by Moss and wanted to move on, just as they did with Singletary, clean out the RB room and also move on from McKenzie as a return specialist..

[BuffBillsForLife]

I would say Cook has a big year, but McBeane love RBBC too much for that to really happen.  Elam is just a wing and a prayer at this point.

[Billl]

2 hours ago, BuffBillsForLife said:

I would say Cook has a big year, but McBeane love RBBC too much for that to really happen.  Elam is just a wing and a prayer at this point.

Out of curiosity, why do you say that about Elam?  When he was on the field, I never thought he looked like he didn’t belong.  His lack of playing time remains baffling to me.

[BuffBillsForLife]

21 minutes ago, Billl said:

Out of curiosity, why do you say that about Elam?  When he was on the field, I never thought he looked like he didn’t belong.  His lack of playing time remains baffling to me.

He fails the eye test for me whenever I watch him.  Being unable to beat out Benford (6th round fellow rookie) and Dane (JAG) means McD doesn't have any confidence in him either.  Hopefully I'm wrong and he turns it around this season, but I have no concrete reason to think it'll happen.

[JerseyBills]

Absolutely! I think both are studs

Expect both to ball out this year. 

[Alphadawg7]

On 6/26/2023 at 10:54 AM, RoyBatty is alive said:

I think both will have a major uptick in playing time and productivity in 2023.  We all know how difficult it is for rookies in the NFL and how reticent McDermott is to play rookies.  Both now have a year  and I think both have have a great season.

 

James Cook. On his first career carry, Cook fumbled which really put him in the dog house.  With the exception of the blowout win 41-7 over the Titans, Cook averaged only 3.7 carries a game until December after which he averaged 8.6/game, among other factors took a while for them to have faith in him.  He only had 89 total carries for the years with 507 yards, an impressive 5.7/carry (even if you take out his longest run, a TBD favorite stat, it was still 5.4/carry).  He didn't have much in terms of a seasoned RB room with Zach Moss and Devon Singletary.  I think the addition of veterans Murray and Harris (the "patriot way", fwiw) can only help.  Most importantly, the Bills made a concerted effort to beef up the interior of the O Line. He can crack through the front line with some real O line help, he might get into the open to use his speed.

 

Also more experience receiving the ball.  I think the much maligned Dorsey could even split him out as a WR.  In combination with the hybrid WR/TE Kincaid, could present some real match opportunities.

 

He isnt the biggest back and probably never be a 200+ carry/year, (good reason to have Murray and Harris) but I think in yards from scrimmage, he can crack 1,000 yards.

 

Kaiir  Elam.  I strongly encourage listening to the Cover 1 interview with Kaiir Elam.  The easy manner he can discuss in depth how he reads and bates the QBs is entertaining, not something I expected from a 1 year experience player.  And he answered decisively, he appeared to know what he is supposed to do cold.  I love it when talking about Pickett he said he was "young" and tried to be a "gunslinger", not arrogantly just matter of fact and how he baited Pickett to throw the int.  He studies his opponents and if you recall, on the draft interview he had notes on all the college receivers he faced, it wasn't marketing ploy, i think it was legit.

 

He came out of Florida , transition from more man and it takes time to master the NFL zone coverages, one of the factors why he had a regular season PFF grade of only 56.7 but then a playoff PFF grade of 87.1.

 

I think Kaiir wins starting CB#2 and I will put  the over/under on regular season INTS in 2023 at 4.

I totally agree

[Patrick Duffy]

8 hours ago, NewEra said:

Cook and Hines in the backfield takes knox or Kincaid off the field. No thanks.

 

hines is borderline useless in this offense imo.  Cook >>>>>>>>>>>>> hines

 

Not sure I'd go quite that far lol.....I think he could do well with his speed if can ever  get him the ball in space. And we know that's something that needs improvement getting each of the RBs involved. I mean I'm just saying I don't think he's hardly had nearly enough opportunities yet to know how useful or useless he is in this offense.

 

 

[Billl]

7 minutes ago, Patrick Duffy said:

 

Not sure I'd go quite that far lol.....I think he could do well with his speed if can ever  get him the ball in space. And we know that's something that needs improvement getting each of the RBs involved. I mean I'm just saying I don't think he's hardly had nearly enough opportunities yet to know how useful or useless he is in this offense.

 

 

He’s been a replacement level player for the entirety of his 5 year career.  I had 3 more yards rushing for the Bills than he did last year in 6 fewer attempts.  Why would you bother trying to design plays to get him the ball in space when you could get better production from any one of 20 UDFAs who won’t carry a $3.5 million cap hit?

[NewEra]

13 minutes ago, Patrick Duffy said:

 

Not sure I'd go quite that far lol.....I think he could do well with his speed if can ever  get him the ball in space. And we know that's something that needs improvement getting each of the RBs involved. I mean I'm just saying I don't think he's hardly had nearly enough opportunities yet to know how useful or useless he is in this offense.

 

 

I’d rather just give those touches to cook.  It’s not like he’s going to get overworked.  Harris is going to get his carries, there’s no doubt in my mind.  Giving cook those snaps you speak of intended for Hines gives us better productivity (imo) and saves us a roster spot.  If we think we have other solid options in the return game, I would hope we move on and get a late round pick in return.  
 

I was really excited about landing a guy with his speed and explosiveness.  I’m down on him based on what I saw him do on offense wearing a Bills uniform.  
 

He’s got game…. I just think cook has a lot more and would rather give him those reps

[Patrick Duffy]

35 minutes ago, Billl said:

He’s been a replacement level player for the entirety of his 5 year career.  I had 3 more yards rushing for the Bills than he did last year in 6 fewer attempts.  Why would you bother trying to design plays to get him the ball in space when you could get better production from any one of 20 UDFAs who won’t carry a $3.5 million cap hit?

 

First I wasn't referring to him rushing, I was talking out the backfield type passes with his speed if getting him into space..... that being said, I'll still address your question, he is also a threat as KR/PR so that plays into it.

 

He won't have very many opportunities rushing anyways unless injuries become a big factor but certain issues like the screen game etc type plays is clearly an area Bills need to figure out. If they do that then he has the speed that as you said any one of "20 UDFAs" may not have.

 

 

26 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I’d rather just give those touches to cook.  It’s not like he’s going to get overworked.  Harris is going to get his carries, there’s no doubt in my mind.  Giving cook those snaps you speak of intended for Hines gives us better productivity (imo) and saves us a roster spot.  If we think we have other solid options in the return game, I would hope we move on and get a late round pick in return.  
 

I was really excited about landing a guy with his speed and explosiveness.  I’m down on him based on what I saw him do on offense wearing a Bills uniform.  
 

He’s got game…. I just think cook has a lot more and would rather give him those reps

 

Well yeah, you don't take touches from Cook. I'm saying if he rotates in once in a while or maybe ends up getting more opportunities due to injury and can catch the ball with just a little bit of room he could definitely make some plays

Edited June 28, 2023 by Patrick Duffy

[Gugny]

I think letting them see the field would be a nice first step.