Every NFL season introduces fresh talent and new narratives, and the 2023 season is proving no different. As teams and players vie for success, several emerging stars and interesting team dynamics have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. This year, notable players like Rachaad White and Drake London are among those turning heads, not just for their inherent talent but also for the significant roles they are poised to play in their respective teams.
Rachaad White: Stepping into the Spotlight
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back Rachaad White is one player who has quickly garnered attention. After a rookie year tallying 179 touches, White's performance hinted at promising potential. Yet, it was his teammate Leonard Fournette who dominated the Buccaneers’ backfield in 2022 with 269 total opportunities. The real turning point came in 2023 when the Buccaneers made a pivotal decision to move forward without Fournette, leaving the door wide open for White to assume a more prominent role.
The decision appears to have paid off. White recorded an impressive 336 touches in the season, second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 339 touches. This substantial workload underlines the Buccaneers' confidence in White as their primary offensive weapon in the running game, a token of their belief in his capabilities and potential to lead the backfield with minimal added depth behind him.
Drake London and His Ascendance
Drake London is another emerging talent making waves. In his first two years, London secured a notable 25.9% target share and ranked WR17 among wide receivers. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that same period, revealing a gap between opportunities received and fantasy output. The upcoming season may change this dynamic, as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be throwing to London in 2024. This pairing could be the catalyst London needs to transform his significant target share into improved productivity and fantasy relevance.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Setbacks
Kyle Pitts, another name that can't be overlooked, had a stellar rookie season surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark. However, his journey was not without hurdles. Pitts required MCL and PCL repair late in 2022, which certainly affected his performance the following year. Despite these challenges, he managed 90 targets in 2023, a marked increase from the 58 in 2022. Pitts' path is one of resilience and, with continued recovery, he looks poised to return to his former glory.
Team Moves and Impact
The offseason saw a flurry of activity with teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant addition by signing Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions made a notable draft move by selecting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Despite a suspension that saw him miss substantial time during his rookie and sophomore seasons, Williams demonstrated his potential by ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022.
Williams’ situation in Detroit echoes the sentiments expressed by Jeff Risdon: “I know they’re excited about what they’ve got in him, and that’s why they’re not pursuing any other wide receivers and you will not see other wide receivers brought in. Agents have asked... Detroit is not interested in bringing in any receivers at this point.” This vote of confidence from the Lions further underscores their belief in the young receiver's capabilities.
Texans, Bengals, and Shuffled Backfields
Elsewhere, the Houston Texans made a significant backfield acquisition by securing Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This move left a void in the Cincinnati Bengals' lineup, which is expected to be filled by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss, when given the lead role in 2023, had multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points, showcasing his ability to step up. In contrast, Brown registered just 58 touches, indicating that he still has a lot to prove as he steps into a bigger role.
With these shifts and the focus on emerging talents, the 2023 NFL season is already shaping up to be an intriguing one. Rachaad White, Drake London, and the strategic decisions of several teams highlight the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. As these players and their respective teams adjust and adapt, fans can look forward to a season of thrilling performances and unexpected narratives.