Every NFL season brings new excitement and the 2023 season is certainly no exception, showcasing a blend of established stars and emerging talents who are poised to leave their mark. Among these rising stars are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, each of whom has demonstrated significant potential in their early careers.
Rachaad White's Rising Profile
As a rookie in 2022, Rachaad White made an impressive impact with 179 touches, even though his teammate Leonard Fournette dominated the Buccaneers' backfield with 269 total opportunities. The following year marked a pivotal shift for Tampa Bay. The team decided to part ways with Fournette and chose not to add much depth in the running back department, signaling their confidence in White's abilities. White didn't disappoint, finishing second in the NFL with 336 touches, just behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This significant workload underlines the Buccaneers' trust in White as a central figure in their offensive strategy.
Drake London's Potential and Challenges
Drake London has also carved out a notable role early in his career. Over his first two years, London commanded a 25.9% target share and ranked WR17, which speaks volumes about his involvement and skill. However, his fantasy points per game during that period placed him only at WR47, highlighting a disconnect between his usage and his fantasy football productivity. The 2024 season brings new hope for London, as he will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball, potentially enhancing his performance and consistency.
Kyle Pitts’ Journey
Another player to keep an eye on is Kyle Pitts, who exceeded the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, Pitts faced setbacks due to knee injuries, requiring MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022. Despite these challenges, he managed to gather 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023. His ability to bounce back and perform despite these injuries will be crucial for his continued success.
Roster Moves and Their Impact
Several significant team decisions in the offseason have shaped the upcoming season's dynamics. The Raiders, seeking to strengthen their backfield, signed Alexander Mattison. Meanwhile, the Texans made a notable acquisition by securing Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. With Mixon moving to Houston, the Cincinnati Bengals will look to Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void. Moss showed he'd be a formidable substitute, registering multiple games with over 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023, while Brown had a quieter season with only 58 touches.
Jameson Williams: A High Draft Pick with High Hopes
The Detroit Lions have shown immense faith in Jameson Williams, drafting him 12th overall after trading up to secure his talents. Although Williams missed the majority of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension, his efficiency has been remarkable. Since entering the league in 2022, Williams has ranked WR5 in fantasy points per touch, pointing to his potential to become a key contributor for the Lions. Detroit's confidence in him is clear. Analyst Jeff Risdon emphasized, “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.”
A Season Filled with Expectations
The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be one of opportunity and anticipation as newcomers and veterans alike strive to make their mark. From Rachaad White stepping into a featured role in Tampa Bay, to Drake London's potential resurgence with Kirk Cousins, and Jameson Williams’ promise for the Lions, these stories are just a few among many that will unfold on the field. Teams and fans alike will be keen to see how these talents navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that the new season brings.