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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 26: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Bills have just wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft, bringing in 10 new players who could significantly impact the upcoming season. However, one standout from the 2022 NFL Draft, running back James Cook, made a major announcement on Wednesday that every fan is going to love.

Cook Will be Earning a College Degree

Cook announced that he has graduated from the University of Georgia and will be participating in the ceremony on May 8.

The 26-year-old running back played four seasons at Georgia, appearing in 50 games and accumulating 1,503 rushing yards and 14 scores, contributing to the Bulldogs’ victory in the 2021 National Championship.

Cook was talented enough to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, but he wanted one more season at Georgia. He returned with a clear purpose in mind.

“I can say just going out with a bang with the people I came in here with, it’s very special. We came back for a purpose, and, I mean, we worked hard as older guys, Cook said on Jan 11, 2022. “We led the right way. Just the whole offseason was special, how we connected, like the reason why we’re here today talking to you guys. I mean, we just came together as brothers and got the job done.”

Since joining the Bills, Cook has established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. Over the course of 66 games, he has amassed an impressive 4,259 rushing yards. Coming off a standout season, he led the league with 1,621 rushing yards.

Cook not only won a championship for his college but is also set to graduate from the same institution. It’s a rare achievement that not many players can boast about in their careers. Now, Cook is aiming to add a Super Bowl victory to his college title and diploma, hoping to achieve this milestone with the Bills this season.

Bills Get Love From Mel Kiper Jr.

One way the Bills could clinch the Super Bowl this season is if their rookies step up. Even though they traded back three times in the first round and didn’t pick until the start of the second round, Buffalo added a few players who could make an immediate impact. Notably, it brought in Clemson’s pass rusher T.J. Parker and Ohio State’s cornerback Davison Igbinosun, both of whom could help the team win now.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Bills had a good draft, giving them a grade of “B-“.

“There were a lot of directions Buffalo could have gone at No. 26. But trading back not once, not twice, but three times was not on my Bingo card. The Bills went to No. 28, then No. 31 and finally to No. 35. That gave general manager Brandon Beane some maneuverability,” Kiper wrote on Sunday.

“That was key. Entering the draft, Buffalo wasn’t slated to pick again after No. 26 until No. 91, super late on Day 2. And after seven straight playoff appearances ended in heartbreak (and the firing of coach Sean McDermott), the pressure is on right now. Quarterback Josh Allen is turning 30 next month; the Bills need to get over the hump and find a way into the Super Bowl. As a result of the trades, Buffalo shuffled its fourth-rounders and moved up from No. 91 to the back end of Round 2 (No. 66).”