The 2023 NFL season has arrived, filled with new opportunities and narratives that have fans buzzing with anticipation. Among the players to watch this year are emerging stars like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, who have shown significant promise and are expected to make substantial impacts on their respective teams.
Rachaad White's Rising Role
Rachaad White showcased his potential as a rookie, amassing 179 touches. However, his path to stardom was overshadowed by his teammate Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 total opportunities for the Buccaneers in 2022. The team made a strategic decision in 2023 to part ways with Fournette, opening the door for White to step into a more prominent role.
The Buccaneers' decision not to significantly bolster their running back depth indicates their confidence in White. By the end of the season, White had 336 touches, positioning him as the second-highest in the NFL, just behind Christian McCaffrey’s 339. With such a workload, White is set to be a focal point of Tampa Bay's offense.
Drake London’s Development
Drake London has also garnered attention, commanding a 25.9% target share and ranking WR17 in his first two seasons. Despite this commendable start, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, reflecting the growing pains typical of a young receiver adapting to the NFL.
Looking ahead to 2024, London will have seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball, a significant upgrade that could elevate his performance and fantasy stock. The experience and precision that Cousins brings could unlock new levels in London's game, making him a player to watch closely.
Kyle Pitts’ Injury Comeback and Limited Targets
Kyle Pitts burst onto the scene by surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, his journey hit a roadblock with an MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. His recovery saw limited opportunities, with only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 in 2023. Pitts' ability to bounce back and reclaim his status as a premier tight end will be a narrative worth following.
Raiders’ Acquisition of Alexander Mattison
The Raiders made a noteworthy move in the offseason by signing Alexander Mattison to bolster their backfield. Mattison is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Raiders' running game, providing depth and versatility that could prove crucial throughout the grueling NFL season.
Lions’ Commitment to Jameson Williams
The Detroit Lions demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive roster by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Despite missing the majority of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance. Since entering the league in 2022, he ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch, hinting at the explosive potential he holds when on the field.
Reflecting on the Lions' approach, 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 demonstrates the Lions' belief in Williams as a cornerstone of their receiving corps.
Texans’ Strategic Acquisition of Joe Mixon
The Houston Texans made a strategic acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. Mixon's arrival in Houston is expected to ignite the Texans' ground game, providing a reliable and productive option out of the backfield.
Vacated Opportunities in Cincinnati
In the wake of Mixon's departure, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to lean on Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void. Moss had several standout performances in 2023, with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role. Meanwhile, Brown, with only 58 touches last year, will have to step up to complement Moss and keep the Bengals' running game effective.
As the season progresses, these player narratives will unfold, shaping the fortunes of their teams and captivating fans with the highs and lows that make the NFL so compelling. Each player's journey, marked by opportunity and challenge, encapsulates the essence of professional football.