Every new NFL season is a canvas of opportunities and the 2023 season is no different. Emerging talents like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London are set to make waves, promising an exciting year for fans and analysts alike.
Rising Stars in Tampa Bay
Rachaad White showed glimpses of his potential as a rookie with 179 touches, sharing the backfield with the more experienced Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities in 2022. However, the Buccaneers made a strategic shift by moving on from Fournette and refraining from adding significant depth in the running back department. This decision is poised to give White an expanded role, which is reflected in his impressive 336 touches, the second most in the NFL, trailing only behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339.
Drake London: The Emerging Force
Drake London is another player drawing attention. With a commendable 25.9% target share in his first two years, London has quickly established himself, ranking as WR17. Despite his solid positioning, his fantasy points per game landed him at WR47, suggesting there’s still room for growth. The upcoming 2024 season brings a new dynamic to London’s game, as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be throwing the passes, potentially unlocking new heights for the young receiver.
Kyle Pitts: Overcoming Adversity
Kyle Pitts is no stranger to challenges. After surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, Pitts faced significant setbacks with MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022. The following seasons reflected his struggle to stay on the field and integrate fully into the offense, with only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023. Nevertheless, Pitts’ talent and potential make him a player to keep an eye on as he aims to bounce back stronger.
Offseason Moves and Their Impact
The offseason witnessed several strategic moves across teams. The Raiders signed Alexander Mattison, boosting their backfield strength. The Lions, showing their ambition, traded up to draft Jameson Williams 12th overall. However, Williams’ journey in the NFL hasn’t been smooth. Missing substantial time due to suspension, he has yet to shine consistently. Interestingly, since entering the league in 2022, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch, indicating high efficiency when on the field.
Texans Acquire Joe Mixon
In a significant acquisition, the Texans brought in Joe Mixon, who had an impressive 309 touches last season, the fourth-most in the NFL. This leaves Zack Moss and Chase Brown with the task of filling the void Mixon left in Cincinnati. Moss has a proven track record of delivering high fantasy points when given the lead role, with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023. Brown, on the other hand, had a modest 58 touches, highlighting his potential for growth with increased opportunity.
Detroit’s Confidence in Their Roster
Meanwhile, the Lions’ decision to stand firm in their current roster demonstrates confidence in their squad. As Jeff Risdon reported, “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 sentiment underscores the Lions' belief in their drafted talent and the strategic decisions they’ve made.
The forthcoming NFL season brims with promise and potential. Players like Rachaad White, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Jameson Williams are positioned to make significant impacts, while strategic team decisions and offseason moves set the stage for a riveting year of football. As fans, analysts, and teams themselves gear up for what is to come, the anticipation only heightens the thrill of the game that continues to captivate hearts and minds across the nation.