Every NFL season promises its own set of narratives and emerging talents. The 2023 season is no different, bringing fresh opportunities for a new cadre of players looking to make their mark on the league. Among these players are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, both of whom have shown potential and are expected to play pivotal roles for their respective teams.
The Ascendancy of Rachaad White
Rachaad White, who displayed considerable promise as a rookie, managed 179 touches last season. However, it was his teammate Leonard Fournette who dominated the backfield with 269 total opportunities. The Buccaneers have since made a crucial decision to move on from Fournette and have not added significant depth to their running back department.
As a result, White's role has expanded significantly. Impressively, he achieved 336 touches in 2023, placing him second in the NFL, just behind the seasoned Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This increase in workload underlines Tampa Bay's confidence in White's abilities and potential as a long-term answer in their backfield.
Drake London: Ready to Flourish
Drake London is another emerging talent worth noting. With a 25.9% target share, he ranked WR17 during his first two years in the league. However, his fantasy points per game during this span landed him at WR47, a discrepancy that the team will be eager to address.
One significant change for London this year is the arrival of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will be throwing him the ball in 2024. This could substantially elevate London’s production and consistency. Given his established role and the addition of Cousins, the outlook for London appears promising.
Kyle Pitts: Bouncing Back
Kyle Pitts, an integral part of the offense, surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, showcasing his potential. However, he encountered setbacks in late 2022, requiring MCL and PCL repair. In 2022, Pitts received only 58 targets, a number that rose to 90 in 2023.
The team hopes that a fully recovered Pitts will further bolster their offensive capabilities. His ability to bounce back from injury and maintain his elite level of play will be critical for his team’s success in the upcoming season.
Strategic Moves Across the League
Offseason moves are pivotal in shaping the teams’ fortunes. The Raiders made a strategic acquisition by signing Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield. Meanwhile, the Lions made a bold move by trading up to draft Jameson Williams 12th overall. Although Williams missed a significant portion of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension, his performance when available has been notable. Since entering the league in 2022, he ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch.
In a significant move, the Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. His departure from Cincinnati opens up opportunities for Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss has already proven he can be effective when given the lead role, with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023. Brown, however, is relatively untested with only 58 touches last year but will look to make the most of the increased opportunities.
Team Strategies and Visions
The strategic visions of teams also play a role in shaping the complexion of the season. Jeff Risdon highlighted one such vision, 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 confidence speaks volumes about the team's belief in their current talent pool and their focused strategy for the season.
The 2023 NFL season is set to be captivating, with players like Rachaad White, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Jameson Williams poised to make significant impacts. As teams adapt and new talents emerge, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold on the gridiron.