The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2024 NFL offseason with a running back who looked to be a complete back behind Baker Mayfield. Everyone believed in Rachaad White, and his production was expected to be repeated.
This left some scratching their heads after the team went and drafted Bucky Irving in April’s NFL Draft.
Bucky Irving was not used very often at the start of the season, as they let him carve out a role behind White. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen eventually found a good mix of both their talents, and now, as we enter Bye Week, Irving is leading the league in a major category.
Compared to all the other rookie running backs in the NFL, Irving leads them all in rushing touchdowns (4). Overall, Irving has 680 total yards and is on pace for 1,156 total yards and eight touchdowns.
If the team can get that out of a rookie alongside White, then Liam Coen and Baker Mayfield may have all the help they need in the backfield.