Every NFL season ushers in a host of new narratives and 2023 is shaping up to be no different. Among the players drawing significant attention this year are emerging stars like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London.
Rachaad White: Stepping into the Spotlight
Rachaad White had a promising rookie year with the Buccaneers, amassing 179 touches. However, it was still a team dominated by Leonard Fournette, who had a total of 269 opportunities in 2022. Fast forward to 2023, and the Buccaneers made a pivotal decision to part ways with Fournette, electing not to add much depth in the running back department. This strategic move paved the way for White to emerge as a primary offensive weapon. In fact, White ended the season second in the NFL with 336 touches, a remarkable feat considering he trailed only the ultra-consistent Christian McCaffrey, who led with 339.
Drake London: A Talented Target
On the receiving end, Drake London's first two years in the league demonstrated his ability to command a significant share of the offense. He boasted a 25.9% target share and secured a ranking of WR17. Despite this, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during those years. The 2024 season, however, could be a game-changer for London as he will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm, throwing him the ball. This change could unlock London's full potential and propel him to even greater heights in the NFL.
Kyle Pitts: Battling Back
Another player to watch is Kyle Pitts, who managed to surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. Unfortunately, Pitts faced setbacks in late 2022 that required MCL and PCL repairs. Despite these challenges, he received only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023, indicating the Falcons’ ongoing trust in his abilities and the critical role he plays in their offensive strategy.
Team Movements: Offseason Strategies and Expectations
In the offseason, several strategic moves have been made across the league. The Raiders signed Alexander Mattison to bolster their backfield, a move expected to solidify their running game. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are taking a different route. They traded up to draft Jameson Williams 12th overall, banking on his potential to transform their receiving corps. Although Williams missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension, his stats are impressive. Since entering the league in 2022, Williams has ranked WR5 in fantasy points per touch, showing his explosive capability when he's on the field.
Jeff Risdon shed light on Detroit’s strategy, quoting, “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 statement signifies the Lions' belief in Williams' potential to lead their receiving squad moving forward.
Texans and Bengals: A Shift in the Running Back Landscape
The running back landscape also saw significant changes, particularly for the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who had an impressive season with the fourth-most touches in the NFL at 309. This acquisition created a gap in the Bengals’ backfield that Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to fill. Moss showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, delivering multiple games where he exceeded 20 fantasy points when given the lead role. In contrast, Brown's opportunity to shine was limited by just 58 touches.
With the NFL season in full swing, these emerging talents and strategic team decisions are set to create compelling narratives that will capture the attention of fans and analysts alike. From rookies stepping into larger roles to veterans continuing to prove their worth, the dynamics of the 2023 season promise excitement and unpredictability at every turn.