Every NFL season brings anticipation and excitement, and the 2023 season is certainly no exception. With emerging talents and pivotal team decisions shaping the landscape, fans have plenty to look forward to. Among the players to keep an eye on are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London.
Rachaad White and the Buccaneers' Backfield Shuffle
Rachaad White showcased his potential as a rookie, managing 179 touches, albeit overshadowed by his teammate Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. However, the 2023 season saw the Buccaneers making a decisive move, parting ways with Fournette and not significantly reinforcing their running back depth. This shift opened up a substantial role for White, reflecting the team's confidence in his abilities.
White has not disappointed; he ranks second in the NFL with 336 touches, just three touches shy of Christian McCaffrey’s league-leading 339. This increase in workload underscores his importance to the Buccaneers' offensive strategy moving forward.
Drake London: A Rising Star
Another player making headlines is Drake London. In his first two seasons, London commanded a significant presence on the field with a 25.9% target share, positioning him as WR17. Despite this promising start, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, indicating room for improvement.
Looking ahead to 2024, London’s prospects are even brighter with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to take the helm. Cousins' experience and playmaking ability could elevate London's performance, making him a key player to watch.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Challenges
Kyle Pitts also drew attention as he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in his rookie season. However, injuries have hampered his progress, with MCL and PCL repairs required in late 2022. Pitts' target share dropped to 58 targets in 2022, but it saw an uptick to 90 targets in 2023. The upcoming season will be crucial for Pitts as he aims to regain his form and solidify his role in the offense.
Team Movements and Player Developments
The Raiders made strategic moves during the offseason, signing Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield. Meanwhile, the Lions made a significant draft move, trading up to select Jameson Williams 12th overall. Though Williams' rookie season was marred by suspension, he ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, highlighting his explosive potential when on the field.
In an intriguing development, the Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This acquisition necessitated adjustments in Cincinnati’s backfield, where Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities vacated by Mixon. Moss showed his potential in 2023, delivering multiple games with over 20 fantasy points when given the lead role. On the other hand, Chase Brown had a quieter season with only 58 touches, but opportunities abound for both players in the new setup.
Future Outlooks
As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, some notable management decisions reflect confidence in current line-ups. Jeff Risdon reported on Detroit’s firm stance, saying, “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 statement underscores the Lions' commitment to their selected players, hinting at a cohesive vision for the future.
The upcoming NFL season promises to be one filled with surprises, emerging talents, and strategic shifts. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as players like Rachaad White, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts aim to make their mark and lead their teams to success. The evolving dynamics within the league highlight the ever-changing nature of the NFL, where every season opens new chapters and creates lasting moments.