The 2023 NFL season is upon us, and as always, it brings a fresh set of opportunities and storylines. Two emerging talents to keep an eye on are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London. Both are poised to make significant impacts on their respective teams, and their performances could shape the trajectory of the season.
Rachaad White's Rising Star
Rachaad White had a promising rookie season, managing 179 touches. However, he spent much of that season in the shadow of Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities. The Buccaneers have since made a pivotal decision to move on from Fournette and have not added much depth in the running back department, signaling a significant vote of confidence in White.
White’s workload dramatically increased by 2023, where he secured 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This leap not only demonstrates the Buccaneers' trust in his abilities but also marks him as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
Drake London: A Key Target
In Atlanta, Drake London has shown himself to be a formidable presence on the field. In his first two years, he commanded a 25.9% target share and ranked WR17, though his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that span. These numbers suggest that while he has been heavily targeted, there is still room for improvement in terms of converting those opportunities into fantasy points.
The 2024 season should see a significant change for London, as he will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball. This partnership could unlock London's potential and elevate his performance to new heights.
Kyle Pitts’ Journey Through Injury
Kyle Pitts is another player who has made waves, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, his journey has not been without challenges. Pitts required MCL and PCL repair in late 2022, which undoubtedly affected his production. In 2022, he received only 58 targets, but this rose to 90 targets in 2023, indicating a slow but steady return to his earlier form.
Offseason Moves: Raiders and Lions
The offseason saw various strategic moves, particularly in the Raiders and Lions camps. The Raiders signed Alexander Mattison to bolster their backfield, a move expected to add depth and provide a solid running option.
Meanwhile, the Lions made a high-profile draft decision, trading up to select Jameson Williams 12th overall. Williams’ early career has been rocky due to missed games in his rookie season and suspension time in his sophomore year. However, he has shown significant promise, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022. According to Jeff Risdon, “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.”
Texans Acquire Joe Mixon
The Texans made a significant acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This bolsters their backfield significantly, adding experienced talent to their lineup.
For the Cincinnati Bengals, this introduces a shift. With Mixon’s departure, Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities he vacated. Moss, in particular, has shown the ability to step up, with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023. Brown, on the other hand, had only 58 touches last year, indicating that this season will be crucial for his development and opportunity to prove himself.
As the 2023 season progresses, these dynamics and player performances will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the NFL landscape. With emerging talents like Rachaad White and Drake London poised for breakout years and strategic moves by teams like the Texans, Raiders, and Lions, fans have every reason to be excited for what's to come.