James Cook

The Steelers signed Georgia RB Daijun Edwards as an undrafted free agent. Edwards spent his early years behind eventual NFL draft picks like James Cook, Zamir White, and Kenny McIntosh. Come 2022, Edwards split carries with McIntosh, a current Seahawk, and posted modest numbers (140-777-7). Last fall, Edwards was the 1A rusher ahead of Kendall Milton, who also went undrafted. Milton posted better efficiency than Edwards (6.5 yards per carry vs. 5.4) as the latter underwhelmed from an analytical perspective. Among 73 RBs with 150+ carries, Edwards ranked 56th in yards after contact per attempt and 45th in Pro Football Focus Elusive Rating. He also doesn t project as a factor in the passing game. (He caught 1.3 passes per game over the past two seasons.) Through an optimistic lens: The 23-year-old is built compactly at 5 9, 207 pounds and runs with excellent power and patience. Edwards will aim to win Pittsburgh s No. 3 RB job behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. He can be ignored in redraft and dynasty leagues for now.

The Bills selected Kentucky RB Ray Davis in Round 4 of the NFL Draft. A three-star recruit out of San Francisco, Davis opted to play at Temple over Navy and Kent State. He made a true-freshman impact for the Owls with 193-936-8. Then, after a pandemic-shortened 2020, Davis transferred to Vanderbilt. A toe injury that required surgery sapped nine games in 2021, but we d finally see that freshman-year form come 2022. Davis delivered 1,042 yards on a carry share of nearly 68%. Instead of declaring for the draft last winter, Davis transferred once more to Kentucky. His decision clearly paid off. The 5 8, 208-pounder ran for 1,129 yards and 14 TDs on 5.7 yards per carry. He added 33 catches, 323 yards, and seven more scores. Among 33 RBs with 190+ carries, Davis ranked sixth in yards after contact per attempt and tied for seventh in PFF rushing grade. A bowling ball of a back, Davis power and contact balance should translate to the pro game. He also brings a notable pass-catching resume with 94 career catches. The drawback here is Davis age; he ll turn 25 in November. His size should play well in Buffalo, which leaned on James Cook as its 2023 lead back. Bet on Cook maintaining the clear receiving lead while ceding some rushing work to the rookie. QB Josh Allen, of course, cuts into the available short-yardage TDs. This is ultimately a solid landing for Davis vs. pre-draft expectations. He was the eighth RB off the board and finds opportunity with an offense that ran more after switching OCs in 2023. See where Davis settles in our dynasty rookie rankings.