Every NFL season brings new opportunities for players to showcase their talents, and the 2023 season is no exception. This year, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on emerging talents such as Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London.
Rachaad White's Rising Profile
Rachaad White demonstrated significant promise during his rookie season, making an impact with 179 touches. In contrast, his teammate Leonard Fournette dominated the backfield with 269 total opportunities in 2022. However, 2023 marked a pivotal shift for the Buccaneers as the team decided to move on from Fournette and did not significantly bolster their running back depth. This decision opened the door for White to step into a larger role.
By the end of the season, White had an astounding 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey's 339. This remarkable increase in workload underscores the confidence the Buccaneers have in White's abilities and his potential to be a key contributor to the team's success.
Drake London Strives for Impact
Drake London, another player to watch, has shown his potential over his first two years in the league. Commanding a 25.9% target share, London ranked WR17 in terms of target share. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, indicating room for improvement in converting opportunities into points.
The 2024 season could be a turning point for London, as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be throwing him the ball. With Cousins' experience and precision, London may find more success and climb the ranks in key statistical categories.
Kyle Pitts' Journey
Kyle Pitts made headlines as a rookie by surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark. However, his progress was hampered by injuries requiring MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. Despite these setbacks, Pitts still managed to receive 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023. His ability to rebound from injuries and maintain productivity will be crucial for his and his team's future success.
Offseason Moves Shake Up Teams
The offseason saw notable moves, such as the Raiders signing Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield. Mattison's addition aims to provide the Raiders with a reliable and dynamic presence in the run game, building a more formidable offensive unit.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions made a significant draft decision by selecting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Williams, however, missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension. Despite these challenges, Williams has demonstrated his potential by ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league. According to 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.”
Texans' Acquisition of Joe Mixon
The Texans made a strategic move by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This acquisition is expected to bolster the Texans' running game significantly. In Cincinnati, Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities vacated by Mixon. Moss showcased his ability to step up in the lead role with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023, while Brown had a more limited impact with only 58 touches last year.
As the 2023 NFL season unfolds, these emerging players and strategic team decisions promise to bring excitement and intrigue to fans and analysts alike. The performances of Rachaad White, Drake London, and others will be closely monitored, offering a glimpse into the future of these players and the teams they represent.