2024 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Bucky Irving
The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.
Situation
Name: Bucky Irving
Position: Running Back
Pro Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
College Team: Oregon
Draft Status: Round four, 25th overall
Irving was a four-star prospect in 2021 out of Illinois and picked Minnesota over the likes of Boston College, Cincinnati and Duke. In his freshman year, Irving was part of a three-back committee at Minnesota and had 699 rushing yards. After his first year, he decided to transfer and chose to take his talents to Oregon.
Data courtesy of Sports Reference.
He had two straight years leading the backfield with over 1,000 yards and averaged over six yards each season. He was also very involved in the passing game with 87 catches and 712 receiving yards in two years. He dropped to the third day of the NFL Draft but did find an intriguing landing spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I think Irving could have a role his rookie year and possibly even cause a 50/50 split in the backfield with returning starter Rachaad White.
Talent
Bucky Irving Combine Results:
- Height: 5′9″
- Weight: 192 lbs
- Arm: 29 1/2”
- Hand: 9 1/2”
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.55 Seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.54 Seconds
- Vertical Jump: 29.5”
- Broad Jump: 9’7”
Data courtesy of RAS.
Irving did not test overly great for his size, and I think that cost him a little in the NFL Draft. His RAS showed poor size and explosion with just an okay speed grade. I think his film shows something different in how he runs. Irving is a smaller back, but he is not a scat back. He is very good between the tackles and is elusive in avoiding defenders at the hole. He is hard to bring down for his size and is good at running routes out of the backfield, especially on angle routes vs linebackers.
Opportunity
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart:
Rachaad White is the returning starter, and he did double his yardage production but in two years he has only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Although Irving had good receiving production, I see White as the primary back used in the passing attack. Irving was great between the tackles in college and could provide a more efficient runner.
I was a big fan of Sean Tucker last year, but I think Irving has the inside track to be the second running back coming into the season. Last year White had 272 carries and the second most attempts by a running back was Chase Edmonds with 49. I think Irving could provide more balance and allow a more even split between RB1 and RB2 for the Buccaneers.
Risk
The main risk for Irving is that Tucker or Edmonds outperform him in camp, and he does not get the job as the second back. Another risk, even if he is second on the depth chart, is that White improves his efficiency and Irving is only used to give White the occasional break. He was also not great at pass protection in college, so that could limit his playing time on third down.
Market
Data Courtesy of MFL Rookie ADP on DLF.
Irving was drafted as the sixth running back but is being selected in rookie drafts as RB8. I somewhat understand Kimani Vidal because of the aging veterans ahead of him on the Los Angeles Chargers but I would rather have Irving over Ray Davis. The Bills already have James Cook and Josh Allen gets a lot of the goal-line work. I would also prefer Irving over Malik Washington in a crowded Miami Dolphins wide receiver room.
Data courtesy of DLF Trade Analyzer.
The DLF Rankers have Irving ranked as the 194th player and the 58th-ranked running back. He is ranked behind backs like Jaleel McLaughlin, Antonio Gibson, and Miles Sanders. I would want Irving over all three backs right now in their situations. All three are in a deep backfield and I see Irving having the best route to seeing extended playtime right away in 2024.
I think the Buccaneers need to not only keep the balance they had last year but be much more effective when they run the ball. White was a successful fantasy running back but really needed the large workload. Irving and White can coexist in this offense and Irving could end up being a flex play if he gets more work between the tackles. As seen above I would want Irving over Roschon Johnson and would be willing to give up a mid-2024 rookie third-round pick.
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