Every NFL season ushers in new excitement and fresh prospects, and the 2023 season promises to be no exception. With emerging talents like Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London stepping into the spotlight, fans have plenty of reasons to pay close attention.
In his rookie season, Rachaad White showcased a promising start with 179 touches. Despite being overshadowed by his teammate Leonard Fournette, who amassed 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022, White's potential was clear. By 2023, the Buccaneers had made the crucial decision to part ways with Fournette, opting not to significantly bolster their running back depth. This opened the door for White, who seized the opportunity by racking up 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey's 339.
Rising Star: Drake London
Drake London has also been a player to watch, commanding a significant 25.9% target share and ranking as WR17 in his first two years. However, translating these opportunities into fantasy points has been a challenge, with London's fantasy points per game placing him at WR47 during the same period. The upcoming 2024 season brings a twist, as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the one throwing him the ball, potentially changing London's trajectory.
The Impact of Kyle Pitts
Another player making headlines is Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie before requiring MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. His targets slightly improved from 58 in 2022 to 90 in 2023, signaling a potential uptick in his performance. How Pitts rebounds from his injury and adapts to the changes in the team's dynamic will be critical to watch.
Shifting Teams and Opportunities
A noteworthy move in the offseason was the Las Vegas Raiders’ signing of Alexander Mattison to bolster their backfield. This signing indicates a strategic push to enhance their run game, adding depth and experience to their roster.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions’ draft of Jameson Williams, taken 12th overall after trading up, has sparked interest. Despite missing most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension, Williams has shown potential. Since entering the league in 2022, he has ranked WR5 in fantasy points per touch. Detroit's confidence in their roster depth is evident. As Jeff Risdon notes, "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."
Texans and Bengals Adjustments
In another strategic move, the Houston Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who was fourth in the NFL with 309 touches last season. This acquisition aims to strengthen the Texans' backfield, providing them with a workhorse capable of handling a significant workload. The Cincinnati Bengals, who lost Mixon, are expected to split the vacated opportunities between Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Moss had several standout performances in 2023, exceeding 20 fantasy points in multiple games when given the lead role, while Brown had a more limited role with only 58 touches last year.
As teams strategize and players rise to new challenges, the 2023 NFL season shapes up to be filled with dynamic shifts and intriguing matchups. The performances of emerging talents like Rachaad White, Drake London, and the progress of players like Kyle Pitts and Jameson Williams will be critical narratives to follow. With significant moves in the offseason and key decisions being made across the league, fans can expect an engaging and unpredictable season ahead.