Ray Davis Fantasy Outlook: Should you draft Bills RB in 2024?
Ray Davis enters his first NFL season as a backup for the Buffalo Bills. James Cook had a terrific season last year, helping the Bills mold their offense around the run game. That should provide more opportunities for a backup in 2024, but is it enough to consider drafting Davis in fantasy football?
Is Ray Davis a good fantasy pick in 2024?
Ray Davis is not necessarily a good pick in fantasy football. He's only going to be a backup, and it's hard to imagine him even forcing the Bills to move to a committee backfield. He will certainly get touches, but far from enough that he should be on anyone's radar.
Davis is an interesting handcuff. James Cook broke out last year, but if there's a regression to his prior production, there could be an opening for Davis. That isn't guaranteed, which is why he's a cautious handcuff/injury replacement pick who shouldn't really be on anyone's radar right now.
Should you draft Bills RB Ray Davis?
Ray Davis is an interesting player in fantasy football. He's a rookie, so he could have trouble adapting and he won't get a ton of playing time. However, the Bills went very run-heavy last year and figure to do so again this year after trading Stefon Diggs.
That still doesn't mean Davis is a player to watch. If he shows up on your draft board in the right range, you can absolutely take him. That late, it's hard to find good, useful players. He should not be someone you have in your queue for several rounds to track, though.
Ray Davis 2023 stats, 2024 outlook and ADP
Unfortunately, there are no stats from the 2023 NFL season for Ray Davis because he's a rookie. The fourth-round pick was drafted by the Bills, but he doesn't have any NFL regular-season action yet. It's difficult to predict how he will translate as a result.
However, his college stats last year were good. He transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats and ran for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added 323 yards through the air and seven more scores. He was prolific. If that translates, he will be a good player in the NFL.
Of course, he will be the backup for the foreseeable future. Fourth-round running backs have to do really well to push out the established stars on the roster, and Cook doesn't look like he's going anywhere for the time being.
That's why his ADP is so low. He's a relative unknown without a clear path to a lot of touches. He's being currently rated 160th overall and as the 52nd running back. This is not surprising given his depth chart status and lack of NFL work.
Where should you draft Ray Davis?
What Davis does have going for him is completely fresh legs. He will get some carries, otherwise, the Bills wouldn't have wasted a fourth-round pick on him. Think about Zach Charbonnet's role from last year and envision that for Davis.
Unfortunately, that doesn't have a lot of value, and value is important when drafting in fantasy. Good picks are only good picks based on their value. Saquon Barkley would be a good pick, but not as the sixth overall selection.
That means you should look at where to pick Davis if you're interested. He's being picked in the 16th round or later. At that point, it's largely a wash between backup running backs.