Every NFL season presents a new canvas for teams and players, and the 2023 season is poised to be one of transformation and opportunity. Among the most promising talents to watch this year are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, who have shown promising trajectories early in their careers.
Rachaad White: Stepping Into the Spotlight
Rachaad White emerged as a vital player for the Buccaneers during his rookie season, amassing 179 touches. Yet, it was Leonard Fournette who carried the bulk of Tampa Bay's offensive load with 269 total opportunities in 2022. However, 2023 marked a significant shift for the Buccaneers as they parted ways with Fournette and opted not to bolster their running back depth significantly, an indication of their confidence in White.
White seized this opportunity, finishing second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey, who had 339. With the stage set for White to thrive, the Buccaneers are banking on his capabilities to drive their ground game forward.
Drake London: From Rookie Sensation to Key Playmaker
Drake London made an immediate impact in his first two years, commanding a notable 25.9% target share and ranking as WR17. Despite these impressive metrics, his fantasy points per game positioned him at WR47, a discrepancy that perhaps reflects the growing pains associated with early career development.
In 2024, London will be bolstered by the experience and precision of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The duo's potential chemistry promises a compelling narrative for the season as London aims to elevate his game further.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Challenges to Shine
Kyle Pitts made waves by surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving milestone as a rookie, a feat that underscored his immense talent. However, his journey hit a roadblock in late 2022 when he required MCL and PCL repair. Pitts' targets took a hit, with only 58 in 2022 and an improved 90 in 2023, reflecting the ups and downs of recovery and adaptation.
Jameson Williams: A Story of Resilience
The Detroit Lions showed immense faith in Jameson Williams, drafting him 12th overall after a trade-up. Despite missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to a suspension, Williams has demonstrated his value. Since entering the league in 2022, he ranks as WR5 in fantasy points per touch, a testament to his efficiency and explosiveness when on the field.
Lions insider Jeff Risdon articulated the team's stance, stating, “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 underscores the Lions' faith in Williams as a cornerstone of their receiving corps.
Other Notable Moves
The Raiders bolstered their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Texans made a strategic acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309.
With Mixon's departure from Cincinnati, the Bengals are expected to rely heavily on Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void. Moss has shown flashes of brilliance with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when assuming the lead role in 2023. On the other hand, Brown, who had only 58 touches last year, will be looking to make a significant impact with increased opportunities in the upcoming season.
The NFL landscape is ever-changing, with emerging stars ready to take on expanded roles and seasoned players poised to maintain their dominance. As the 2023 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on these key players and how their careers continue to evolve. The excitement is palpable, and the storylines are rich with potential. For the Buccaneers, Lions, and other teams, the blend of new and established talent promises a thrilling ride ahead.