Who Should I Start? Zamir White or James Cook

Tuesday, April 29, 4:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White will be competing for a roster spot in training camp this summer after the team selected former Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft. The Athletic's Tashan Reed has White listed as the current No. 4 behind Jeanty, Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick. The Raiders are unlikely to hand the ball to Jeanty almost 27 times per game like Boise State did in 2024, but he will still be the unquestioned workhorse back in Vegas in his rookie season. The veteran and oft-injured Mostert has become strictly a third-down back at this point in his career. The 25-year-old White had a very disappointing season in 2024 as the team's primary back to open the season, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Unless Jeanty misses time with an injury in his first NFL season, White will be off the fantasy radar.

Wednesday, July 30, 8:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.