Every NFL season heralds new opportunities and emerging talents, and the 2023 season is no different. The spotlight this year is on players like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, who have shown early indicators of stardom.
Rachaad White's Ascension
In his rookie season, Rachaad White captured attention with 179 touches, playing second fiddle to Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities in Tampa Bay during the 2022 season. However, 2023 marked a pivotal change for the Buccaneers as they decided to part ways with Fournette and made minimal additions to their running back roster. This decision paved the way for White to secure a more central role.
The result? White delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in the NFL with 336 touches, narrowly trailing Christian McCaffrey’s 339. Such statistics underscore White’s growing importance in the Buccaneers' strategy and hint at a bright future for the young player.
Drake London's Impact
Drake London has also made significant strides in his NFL career. In his first two years, London commanded a 25.9% target share, ranking him as the 17th best wide receiver (WR17). Despite this, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, indicating room for growth in his overall impact on the field.
Looking ahead, London's prospects appear promising, especially with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to throw him the ball in 2024. This partnership could be the catalyst for London to translate his high target share into more substantial on-field production and fantasy points.
Kyle Pitts' Journey
Kyle Pitts is another player to watch, having surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in his rookie season. Despite needing MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022, Pitts remains a key part of his team’s plans. In 2022, he received only 58 targets, a number that slightly increased to 90 in 2023. His health and continued integration into the game plan will be crucial for his future contributions.
Team Strategies and Acquisitions
The offseason also saw significant team strategies and player acquisitions that could reshape the dynamics in 2023 and beyond. The Raiders made a notable move by signing Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield, while the Lions made a bold move by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up for the pick. Williams, despite missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension, has already shown potential, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Texans made a splash by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. The departure of Mixon from Cincinnati opens up opportunities for Zack Moss and Chase Brown to take on significant roles. Notably, Zack Moss demonstrated his potential with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023, while Chase Brown had a more limited impact with only 58 touches last year.
Detroit's Confidence in Their Roster
The Detroit Lions have shown confidence in their current roster, particularly with their receiving corps. As NFL analyst Jeff Risdon commented, “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 indicates the Lions' satisfaction with their draft and offseason moves and suggests they are poised for a strong season ahead.
As we navigate through the 2023 NFL season, these individual player stories and team strategies will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the league. Emerging players like Rachaad White and Drake London, along with strategic acquisitions and confident team decisions, promise an exciting and dynamic season for fans and analysts alike.