Every NFL season offers a slate of new opportunities and storylines, and the 2023 season is no different. Emerging talents are set to make their mark on the league, with young stars like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London being players to watch closely.
The Rise of Rachaad White
Rachaad White has emerged as a key player for the Buccaneers. In his rookie season, he demonstrated potential with 179 touches, even as his teammate Leonard Fournette dominated the backfield with 269 touches in 2022. The Buccaneers made a decisive move in 2023, parting ways with Fournette and opting not to add significant depth in the running back department. White's performance did not disappoint—he finished second in the NFL with 336 touches, just behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This shift signifies Tampa Bay's confidence in White as their primary offensive weapon moving forward.
Drake London's Impact
Drake London has also been a significant presence on the field. In his first two seasons, he commanded a notable 25.9% target share, ranking him as the 17th best wide receiver in the NFL. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47. This discrepancy indicates that while he gets many opportunities, there's still room for improvement in translating those to fantasy points. Looking ahead, London is poised for a breakout season in 2024, with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to lead the offense. This experienced pairing could elevate London’s game to new heights.
Kyle Pitts and His Comeback
Another player to keep an eye on is Kyle Pitts. Pitts made an impressive start to his career, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, he required MCL and PCL repairs towards the end of 2022, which hampered his performance. In 2022, he had only 58 targets, which increased to 90 in 2023, indicating a growing but cautious role in the offense. Pitts' recovery and progression will be critical for his team’s success and his fantasy owners.
Offseason Moves and Their Implications
The NFL offseason brought several significant moves. The Las Vegas Raiders signed Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield, while the Detroit Lions showed their commitment to their current receiving corps by refraining from bringing in new wide receivers. As Jeff Risdon explained, “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 statement highlights the Lions’ confidence in their drafted talent, particularly Jameson Williams.
Williams, who was drafted 12th overall by the Lions after a trade up, had a challenging start to his NFL career. He missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite this rocky beginning, Williams has impressed when on the field, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022. His ability to make the most of his opportunities bodes well for his future impact.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
The Cincinnati Bengals are also adapting to changes. The Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who was fourth in the NFL last season with 309 touches. This left a significant void in the Bengals' backfield, now expected to be filled by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss has shown potential, delivering multiple games with over 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023. On the other hand, Brown had a modest 58 touches last year, indicating he may require time to grow into a more substantial role.
As the 2023 season unfolds, these player movements and team strategies will continue to shape the league's landscape. Fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike have plenty to look forward to as emerging talents take the stage and established players strive to redefine their careers.