Every NFL season introduces new narratives and breakout stars, and the 2023 season promises to be no exception. As teams recalibrate and emerging talents rise to the occasion, key players like Rachaad White and Drake London are generating significant buzz.
Rachaad White’s Ascent
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have high hopes for Rachaad White, who has already shown tremendous potential. Despite sharing touches with Leonard Fournette in 2022, White managed to notch an impressive 179 touches in his rookie season. Fournette admittedly dominated with 269 total opportunities, but the Buccaneers' decision to part ways with him in 2023 signals a strong vote of confidence in White.
By the end of the 2023 season, White had solidified his position, becoming second in the NFL with 336 touches, just behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This marked a pivotal year for White, given that the Buccaneers did not significantly bolster their running back depth, effectively putting their faith in his capabilities.
Drake London: Ready for the Next Step
Drake London, another talent to watch, has carved out a noteworthy presence in his first two seasons. Commanding a 25.9% target share, London earned himself the WR17 ranking. However, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, suggesting room for improvement.
London is poised for a breakout in 2024, particularly with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins now in the mix. Given Cousins' track record, London’s targets and subsequent productivity might very well see a significant uptick.
Kyle Pitts: Aiming for a Comeback
Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, faces a major challenge following surgery to repair his MCL and PCL in late 2022. Pitts' involvement in the game plan was somewhat limited in the subsequent seasons, receiving only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 in 2023. His return to form will be crucial for his team’s offensive dynamics.
Key Moves and Acquisitions
The off-season saw several strategic moves by various teams, one of the more notable being the Raiders' signing of Alexander Mattison to enhance their backfield. Meanwhile, the Lions demonstrated their commitment to building a robust offensive lineup by trading up to draft Jameson Williams 12th overall.
Williams’ career trajectory has been hampered by availability issues, missing most of his rookie season and additional games in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite these setbacks, his performance when on the field is noteworthy. Since entering the league, Williams ranks an impressive WR5 in fantasy points per touch, highlighting his explosive potential when given opportunities.
In another significant roster shift, the Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who was prolific last season with 309 touches, the fourth-highest in the NFL. Mixon’s departure leaves a substantial gap in Cincinnati, with Zack Moss and Chase Brown expected to step up and fill the void. Moss, in particular, has proven his mettle with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when taking on the lead role in 2023. Brown, albeit restricted to 58 touches last season, will look to increase his contributions moving forward.
Detroit’s Strategic Choices
The Detroit Lions have made it clear they are confident in their current roster, particularly at the wide receiver position. 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 stance underscores the team’s belief in their existing talent to deliver in the upcoming season.
As the 2023 NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on these players and the strategic decisions surrounding them. Each move, each game, and each performance will be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how the season’s stories unfold. With emerging talents ready to make their mark, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever.