Every NFL season heralds a fresh slate of opportunities for budding and established talents alike, and the 2023 season is shaping up to be no different. Among the notable players to keep an eye on this year are Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Rachaad White and the promising wide receiver Drake London.
Rachaad White's Ascendancy
Rachaad White demonstrated considerable promise during his rookie season, amassing 179 touches. This, however, paled in comparison to his teammate Leonard Fournette’s dominating presence with 269 total opportunities in 2022. As the 2023 season unfolded, the Buccaneers made a strategic decision, parting ways with Fournette and opting not to significantly bolster their running back depth. This decision paved the way for White to shoulder a more substantial load, and he did not disappoint, finishing second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339.
Drake London's Growing Influence
Drake London has also been making waves. Commanding a 25.9% target share in his first two years, London secured a strong position by ranking WR17. Despite this impressive target share, his average fantasy points per game positioned him at WR47 during the same period. The upcoming 2024 season holds additional promise for London as he will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins delivering him the ball.
Kyle Pitts' Journey
Kyle Pitts made an immediate impact as a rookie, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark. His journey, however, has not been without hurdles. Pitts underwent MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022, a significant challenge for any player. Despite his injuries, he received 58 targets in 2022 and increased to 90 targets in 2023, showcasing resilience and potential for an even greater role in the future.
Offseason Moves and Emerging Stars
The Raiders, eyeing an improved backfield, signed Alexander Mattison during the offseason, while the Lions made a bold move by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Williams had a rocky start, missing a significant portion of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension. Despite these setbacks, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022.
The Houston Texans made headlines by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This move left a significant gap in the Cincinnati Bengals' backfield, which Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to fill. Moss proved his capability by delivering multiple games with over 20 fantasy points when handed the lead role in 2023. Brown, on the other hand, managed only 58 touches last season but shows potential for growth.
Strategic Insights
Addition to individual performances, strategic decisions during the offseason are also worth noting. Jeff Risdon highlighted the Detroit Lions' confidence in their existing wide receiver corps. "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," Risdon noted. This statement underscores the Lions' strategy and belief in the talent they have cultivated, signaling a focused approach to building team cohesion and performance.
As the 2023 NFL season continues to unfold, the narratives of players like Rachaad White, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Jameson Williams, and others will undoubtedly offer excitement and intrigue. Their journeys and the strategic decisions by their respective teams will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry of professional football.