Every NFL season brings forth a wave of new narratives and emerging talents, and the 2023 season is no exception. Among the players capturing attention this year are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, a dynamic wide receiver looking to make his mark.
Rachaad White’s Rise
Rachaad White’s rookie season showed immense promise as he registered 179 touches, despite competing with Leonard Fournette, who had 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. However, in a strategic move ahead of the 2023 season, the Buccaneers decided to part ways with Fournette, paving the way for White's ascent.
The decision to not add much depth to their running back roster spoke volumes about Tampa Bay’s confidence in White. The Buccaneers’ faith was rewarded as White ended the 2023 season with an impressive 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s league-leading 339. White’s performance this season firmly establishes him as a key player to watch.
Drake London: Ready for the Next Step
Wide receiver Drake London has also turned heads, commanding a 25.9% target share in his first two years and ranking WR17. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, illustrating a gap between opportunity and execution. The arrival of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2024 is expected to elevate London’s game, potentially turning him into one of the premier receivers in the league.
Despite his challenges, London’s potential remains undeniable. His ability to command targets and his upcoming partnership with Cousins bode well for his future in the NFL.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Challenges
Tight end Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, has faced his share of hurdles. After undergoing MCL and PCL repair late in 2022, his journey back to form has been closely watched. In 2022, Pitts received only 58 targets, but that number increased to 90 in 2023, indicating a return to a heavier involvement in the offense.
Pitts’ potential as a game-changing tight end makes his recovery and performance a critical storyline for the upcoming season.
Key Transactions and Developments
In the off-season, the Raiders made a strategic move by signing Alexander Mattison to enhance their backfield depth. Meanwhile, the Lions made headlines by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after a notable trade-up. Williams, however, has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career, missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite these setbacks, Williams has demonstrated his potential by ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022.
The Houston Texans have also been active, acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This acquisition leaves a significant gap in Cincinnati’s backfield, now expected to be filled by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss showcased his capabilities in 2023 with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role, while Brown had a modest 58 touches last year.
The decision by Detroit not to pursue additional wide receivers underscores their confidence in their current roster. As sports analyst Jeff Risdon succinctly put it, “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.”
Looking Ahead
The upcoming NFL season is laden with storylines, from emerging stars like Rachaad White and Drake London to established talents overcoming challenges like Kyle Pitts. The strategic moves in the off-season have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable 2023 campaign, with each player and team looking to seize their moment in the spotlight. As the season unfolds, fans will be closely watching how these narratives develop, eager to see who will rise to the occasion and etch their names into the annals of NFL history.