Every NFL season brings fresh narratives and emergent talents, with the 2023 season shining a spotlight on several players poised to make significant impacts. Among these rising stars are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, both showing promise as they adapt to their evolving roles within their teams.
Rachaad White's Opportunity
Rachaad White's rookie season was a testament to his potential, with the Buccaneers entrusting him with 179 touches. Despite this respectable workload, he played alongside seasoned veteran Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. The Buccaneers' decision to part ways with Fournette ahead of the 2023 season marked a significant shift, particularly given the team did not acquire much depth to fill the void in the running back department.
The move signaled a substantial increase in responsibility for White, who emerged as a workhorse with 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 339 touches, showcasing his durability and importance to the Buccaneers' offense. This increased workload positions White as a key player to watch, not only for the Buccaneers but also for fantasy football enthusiasts looking for a high-volume running back.
Drake London's Emerging Star Power
In his first two NFL seasons, Drake London has demonstrated the qualities of a reliable receiver, commanding a 25.9% target share and ranking WR17 in that span. However, London's fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, indicating room for improvement in his overall production. With veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to throw him the ball in 2024, London has a promising opportunity to elevate his performance and make a significant leap in the wide receiver rankings.
Kyle Pitts, another notable player on the rise, achieved the impressive feat of surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, Pitts faced setbacks after requiring MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022. His target share fluctuated with only 58 targets in 2022, increasing to 90 targets in 2023, suggesting the team’s intent to reintegrate him into the offense progressively.
Strategic Moves in the Offseason
The offseason saw several strategic acquisitions and moves across the league, reshaping team rosters and player dynamics. The Las Vegas Raiders bolstered their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison, aiming to provide more depth and versatility in their run game. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions made a significant investment by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall, trading up to secure the talented receiver.
Jameson Williams faced challenges in his initial seasons, missing substantial time due to injury and suspension. Despite these setbacks, Williams has managed to make a notable impact, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022. His efficiency and explosive playmaking abilities render him a valuable asset for the Lions as they look to maximize his potential on the field.
According to Jeff Risdon, Detroit is fully committed to their existing wide receiver corps, emphasizing, “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 confidence and faith the Lions have in their current roster, particularly in Williams’ ability to perform at a high level.
Changes in Cincinnati and Houston
In another notable move, the Houston Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who was fourth in the NFL with 309 touches last season. Mixon's experience and workload make him a valuable addition to the Texans' backfield, providing a blend of power and agility.
With Mixon's departure from Cincinnati, the Bengals now face the task of redistributing his significant workload. Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to step up and fill this void, with Moss having proven his capability by exceeding 20 fantasy points in multiple games when given the lead role in 2023. Although Brown had only 58 touches last year, he now has an opportunity to expand his role and contribute more significantly to the Bengals’ offense.
As the NFL landscape continually evolves, these player movements and emerging talents will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2023 season and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching as these athletes strive to leave their mark on the league.