Every NFL season brings a fresh set of opportunities, and the 2023 season is no exception. As teams and players gear up for the new challenges ahead, several emerging talents are catching the eye of fans and analysts alike. Among these players, Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London stand out as individuals to watch closely.
Rachaad White: A Rising Star
Rachaad White has showcased his potential from the start of his professional career. In his rookie season, White managed an impressive 179 touches. Despite sharing the field with Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022, White’s efforts didn't go unnoticed. The Buccaneers' decision to move on from Fournette by 2023, while not significantly beefing up the running back department, demonstrates their faith in White’s abilities.
That faith was well-placed, as White ranked second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339. Such performance has set the stage for White to continue his growth and establish himself as a key player for the Buccaneers moving forward.
Drake London: Building on a Strong Foundation
Drake London has also commanded attention with his performance on the field. Over his first two years, London captured a 25.9% target share and was ranked WR17. Despite this, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that span, indicating room for improvement but also highlighting his ability to consistently attract opportunities.
The 2024 season promises to be a turning point for London, as he will have the experienced arm of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to rely on. This change could be critical in maximizing London's potential and improving his fantasy rankings.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Obstacles
Kyle Pitts made waves as a rookie, surpassing the coveted 1,000-yard receiving mark. However, his journey has been marked by challenges, including the need for MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022. Despite these setbacks, Pitts continued to contribute, receiving 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023. His resilience and skill make him a crucial asset for his team, and fans will be eager to see how he bounces back from his injuries.
Team Moves and Prospects
Several teams have made strategic moves to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2023 season. The Raiders, for instance, signed Alexander Mattison during the offseason to strengthen their backfield, showcasing their intent to be competitive this season.
The Lions made headlines by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Williams experienced a rocky start to his career, missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension. However, his impact, when on the field, has been significant. Since entering the league in 2022, Williams has ranked WR5 in fantasy points per touch, indicating his high potential if he can stay on the field.
Furthermore, the Houston Texans made a notable acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This move is expected to fill a vital role in the Texans' offensive lineup, adding experience and reliability to their backfield.
Adjustments in Cincinnati
The departure of Joe Mixon from Cincinnati has opened opportunities for other players to step up. Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to share the responsibilities vacated by Mixon. Moss, in particular, has demonstrated his capability with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023. Meanwhile, Chase Brown had a lighter load with only 58 touches last year, suggesting he has room to grow into a larger role.
In a statement highlighting the Lions' confidence in their receiver corps, Jeff Risdon shared, “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 underscores the trust and belief in the current talent, particularly players like Jameson Williams, to deliver in the upcoming seasons.
As each team and player navigates the complexities and opportunities of the NFL, the 2023 season promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and outstanding performances. The journeys of players like Rachaad White, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and others will be closely watched as they strive to make their mark in the league.