Every NFL season brings a fresh set of opportunities, and the 2023 season is no exception. Among the emerging talents to watch this year are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London. Rachaad White's rookie season gave fans a glimpse of his potential with 179 touches, although Leonard Fournette dominated with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. By 2023, the Buccaneers made a crucial decision to move on from Fournette and did not significantly bolster their running back department, signaling their confidence in White.
White's impact on Tampa Bay’s offense is notable. He was second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This heavy workload underscores the Buccaneers' trust in White's abilities and resilience. As the 2023 season progresses, all eyes will be on how White capitalizes on this opportunity to lead the Buccaneers' ground game.
Shifting the focus to pass-catchers, Drake London has shown substantial growth since entering the NFL. In his first two years, London commanded a 25.9% target share, ranking him as WR17. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that span, indicating room for improvement in terms of overall production. The 2024 season presents a pivotal shift for London as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to throw him the ball, potentially boosting his performance and fantasy value.
Kyle Pitts is another player the league has its eyes on. Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, faced setbacks due to injuries. He required MCL and PCL repair in late 2022, which impacted his performance. Pitts received only 58 targets in 2022 but saw an increase to 90 targets the following year. This rise in targets is a positive sign of his integral role in the offense and his potential for further growth.
During the offseason, the Raiders made a strategic addition to their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison. Meanwhile, the Lions made headlines by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Although Williams faced challenges, missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension, his performance when on the field has been notable. Since entering the league in 2022, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch, highlighting his efficiency and explosive potential.
The Texans made a significant offseason move by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This acquisition signals the Texans' intent to fortify their backfield with a proven workhorse. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to rely on Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void left by Mixon’s departure. Zack Moss had several standout games in 2023, exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role. In contrast, Chase Brown had a modest contribution with only 58 touches last year, but he now has an opportunity to step up and prove his worth.
In Detroit, expectations are high, and the team has made it clear where their priorities lie. Jeff Risdon noted, “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 underscores the Lions' confidence in their current roster and their commitment to giving their younger talents, like Jameson Williams, the opportunity to shine.
The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be an intriguing one, filled with emerging stars and strategic team moves. As veteran players make way for a new generation of talent, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion and makes their mark on the league.