Every NFL season brings fresh excitement and limitless possibilities, and the 2023 season has certainly set the stage for some compelling storylines. Among the players poised to shine this year are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, both emerging talents who have shown promise both on and off the field.
Rachaad White: The Buccaneers' Rising Star
Rachaad White demonstrated significant potential during his rookie season, racking up 179 touches. However, his teammate Leonard Fournette overshadowed him with a commanding 269 total opportunities in 2022. Yet as the Buccaneers entered the 2023 season, the team made a critical decision to move on from Fournette, opting not to bolster their running back depth significantly. The move appeared to pay off as White ended the season with 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 339.
Drake London: A Young Phenom with Veteran Guidance
Another player to keep an eye on is Drake London. In his first two years, London commanded an impressive 25.9% target share and ranked as WR17. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that period, indicating room for improvement. Heading into 2024, London is set to catch passes from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a potential game-changer for the young wideout's career.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Setbacks
Kyle Pitts, another promising talent, surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in his rookie year but faced challenges due to injuries. In late 2022, Pitts required both MCL and PCL repair, which evidently impacted his performance. He received only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 in 2023, but his talent remains unquestionable.
New Faces in New Places
The offseason saw several significant player movements, adding new layers to the upcoming season. The Raiders made a strategic move by signing running back Alexander Mattison to boost their backfield. Meanwhile, the Lions made headlines by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. However, Williams missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension. Despite this setback, he ranks as WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, showcasing his efficiency and potential.
Big Moves in the Backfield
The Texans also made headlines by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. With Mixon’s departure, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void. Moss proved his capability when given the lead role, delivering multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023. On the other hand, Brown had a quieter season with only 58 touches, but opportunities loom large for both players in the postseason.
Quotes Spotlight
Jeff Risdon captured the Detroit Lions’ confidence in their current roster, particularly in their decision to forgo acquiring additional wide receivers. “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,” Risdon noted. “Agents have asked... Detroit is not interested in bringing in any receivers at this point.” Such a resounding endorsement underscores the faith the Lions have in their recent draft picks and current roster composition.
This year’s NFL season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, filled with emerging stars, strategic moves, and unpredictable outcomes. As the games unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching these key players and developments with heightened anticipation.