Every NFL season brings a fresh set of opportunities, and the 2023 season is no exception. With fans eagerly anticipating the rise of new stars, several emerging talents are catching attention, including Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London.
Rachaad White's Ascendance
Rachaad White showcased his potential in his rookie season with an impressive 179 touches. However, in 2022, Leonard Fournette overshadowed him with a commanding 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay. By 2023, the Buccaneers made a strategic shift, moving on from Fournette and opting not to add significant depth in the running back department. This decision paved the way for White's breakout.
In 2023, White made an astounding leap, finishing second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339. The Buccaneers' confidence in White seems well-placed as his performance has been nothing short of stellar. His progression indicates he could be a key player to watch in the coming seasons.
Drake London's Rising Profile
Drake London has also been making waves since entering the league. In his first two seasons, London commanded a remarkable 25.9% target share and ranked WR17 in overall performance. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, indicating room for further growth.
Looking ahead to 2024, London is set to have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball. This partnership could be the boost London needs to elevate his game to the next level, moving from a promising prospect to a consistent top performer in the league.
Kyle Pitts and His Recovery
Another noteworthy player is Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. Despite his impressive start, Pitts faced challenges, requiring MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. The 2022 season saw him targeted only 58 times, a number that jumped to 90 in 2023. As he continues to recover and regain his form, Pitts remains a critical component of his team's offense.
Key Offseason Moves
The offseason often brings significant changes, and this year has been no different. The Raiders bolstered their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison, a move that promises to add depth and reliability. Meanwhile, the Lions made a bold statement by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up.
Williams, unfortunately, missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite the setbacks, since entering the league in 2022, Williams has managed to rank WR5 in fantasy points per touch. His potential remains high, and his future contributions could be pivotal for the Lions.
In a significant acquisition, the Texans secured Joe Mixon, who was fourth in the NFL last season with 309 touches. This move left a void in Cincinnati, with Zack Moss and Chase Brown expected to split the opportunities vacated by Mixon. Moss showed his capability of exceeding 20 fantasy points in multiple games when given the lead role in 2023, while Brown had only 58 touches last year, indicating his potential for growth.
Strategic Decisions and Player Impact
Detroit’s strategy regarding their wide receiver depth chart has also raised eyebrows. As Jeff Risdon commented, “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 decision highlights the team's confidence in their current roster and their belief in the untapped potential of their players.
Each of these moves and developments sets the stage for an exciting 2023 NFL season, filled with promising players ready to make their mark and franchises making calculated decisions to build towards future success. Fans, analysts, and competitors alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds.