Bills Rookie RB Is Ideal Target for Late-Round Fantasy Football Draft

The Buffalo Bills could be counting on a rookie in a key backup role this season.

The RB2 role is up for grabs, with fourth-round running back Ray Davis likely in the running. With Ty Johnson the only other running back left who carried the ball for the Bills last year alongside James Cook, Davis should get some exposure as a newcomer.

The fact that Davis will likely have a role in an offense led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen apparently influenced Sports Illustrated fantasy football analyst Michael Fabiano to rank him as a high-priority late-round draft target.

In selecting 10 “first-year players who deserve late-round consideration and could ultimately outperform their average draft position (ADP),” Fabiano featured four running backs, including Davis, who is projected as the 167th overall pick on average. Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson tops the list with an ADP of 107.

From IF 10 rookies to target in the late rounds of 2024 Fantasy drafts:

“Ray Davis, RB, Bills (ADP -167): I think James Cook can have a breakout season in 2024, especially after seeing his usage increase last year after Joe Brady took over as offensive coordinator. However, if Cook were to suffer an unfortunate injury, Davis could see an increase in touches alongside Ty Johnson.” — Michael Fabiano

Davis was unavailable to practice during June minicamp but is expected to be ready to participate in training camp later this month in Rochester.

RELATED: Brandon Beane never forgets the moment RB Ray Davis ‘leveled that guy’

The well-traveled Davis topped the 1,000-yard mark rushing at three different schools: Temple, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. After finishing his college career at Lexington, the multidimensional running back led the Wildcats with seven touchdown receptions in 2023. He averaged nearly 10.0 yards per reception for UK.

As the Bills’ RB2 last year, free agent Latavius ​​Murray totaled 79 carries and 22 receiving targets.

— Get free Bills coverage from Buffalo Bills on SI —