The 2023 NFL season is set to deliver a fresh slate of opportunities, with several emerging talents poised to leave their mark. Among the most notable players to keep an eye on are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Drake London.
Rachaad White’s Ascendancy
Last season, Rachaad White demonstrated significant potential as a rookie, accumulating 179 touches. However, his teammate Leonard Fournette overshadowed White’s performance with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. By 2023, the Buccaneers made a significant roster decision to part ways with Fournette, indicating a strong belief in White’s abilities.
This decision appears to be well-founded. White finished second in the NFL with an impressive 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339. His increased role signals the Buccaneers' trust in his consistent performance and reliability on the field.
Drake London and Atlanta’s Offense
Drake London has shown considerable promise in his initial seasons, commanding a notable 25.9% target share. His performance during this period ranked him as the WR17 in terms of targets, although his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47. This discrepancy highlights both his potential and the room for growth in his impact on the field.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, London stands to benefit significantly from the arrival of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Cousins at the helm, expectations are high for London to elevate his game and command even more targets.
Kyle Pitts’ Journey
Kyle Pitts surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, making a strong case for his place among the league’s top tight ends. However, his journey has not been without setbacks. Pitts required MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022, which undoubtedly impacted his performance.
Despite receiving only 58 targets in 2022 and seeing an increase to 90 targets in 2023, the potential for Pitts to reclaim his dominant form is significant. His recovery and integration into the offense will be key factors to watch.
Strategic Moves in the League
The offseason saw the Raiders bolster their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison, a move intended to strengthen their depth and versatility. In contrast, the Lions made a bold decision by selecting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up in the draft.
Williams’ rookie season was marred by missed games, further compounded by a suspension during his sophomore season. Despite these challenges, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, showcasing his explosive potential when on the field.
Meanwhile, the Texans made a noteworthy acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This move left a void in Cincinnati’s backfield, expected to be filled by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss, in particular, has shown he can handle the lead role, producing multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023. Conversely, Brown’s involvement has been limited, with only 58 touches last year.
The Detroit Lions’ Strategy
The Detroit Lions’ commitment to their current roster, particularly their receivers, was underscored by commentator Jeff Risdon. He 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 reflects the Lions' confidence in their existing talent and their strategy to develop it further over bringing in external talent.
The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be one of intriguing developments and strategic shifts. Players like Rachaad White and Drake London stand ready to make significant impacts, while teams like the Buccaneers and Lions showcase their strategic moves to bolster their rosters. As the season progresses, these decisions and performances will undoubtedly shape the narratives and outcomes in the league.