According to The Wolf, Bucky Irving may be the closest thing to a 2024 version of Kyren Williams. The rookie from Oregon made an immediate impact in Week 1, leading the Buccaneers’ ground game with 62 rushing yards and an impressive 6.9 yards per carry, far outshining Rachaad White’s 2.1 yards per attempt.
Irving’s efficiency, coupled with his notable snap share, suggests that the Buccaneers could be shifting toward a more prominent role for the young back. His ability to capitalize on early-down opportunities hints that Irving could soon take over valuable goal-line duties, potentially boosting his fantasy outlook considerably.
Rachaad White, who dominated the Buccaneers’ backfield last season by playing over 70% of the offensive snaps in nearly every game, saw his workload noticeably decrease in Week 1. With his snap share dipping below that percentage for the first time in a long time and Irving making the most of his touches, the Buccaneers’ backfield could be in for a significant shake-up.
Given Irving’s efficient performance on limited snaps, he is quickly emerging as one of the top Week 2 waiver wire targets, with the potential to offer significant fantasy value in Tampa Bay’s ascending offense.
WHO IS BUCKY IRVING? COLLEGIATE PROFILE
The dynamic running back from Oregon was one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. Yes, his combine was dreadful. Yet, his play speed was much better—Irving clocked the fourth-fastest MPH time on the field last year.
What sets Irving apart is not just his ability to handle the ball but his exceptional pass-catching skills. In 2023, he led all college running backs with 56 receptions, cementing himself as one of the top receiving backs in the nation. Over his three-year college career, he accumulated 95 receptions, showcasing his value in PPR fantasy formats.
Irving’s versatility and efficiency make him a standout prospect in today’s NFL, where explosive playmaking often outweighs heavy workloads. His ability to generate more fantasy points from targets than handoffs further elevates his appeal.
Despite his relatively lean frame at 5’10” and 195 lbs., Irving consistently produced at a high level. Once he became a focal point of the Oregon offense, he racked up 2,950 total yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns, showing a knack for big plays.
Known for his sharp cuts and elite stop-and-go acceleration, Irving forced missed tackles on 17.2% of his rushes since 2022—a rate higher than notable names like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. His elusiveness, combined with an impressive 1.0+ yards per route run as a receiver, makes him one of the most well-rounded backs in this draft.
Landing in a spot like Tampa, who turned Rachaad White into a three-down back, is perfect for Irving to flourish.
SUMMARY: BUCKY IRVING FANTASY OUTLOOK
As seen above, Bucs HC Todd Bowles is subtly laying the groundwork for a Bucky Irving to gain ground on Rachaad White in the backfield. Following Week 1, Bowles confirmed that both Irving and White would play key roles this season but hinted that the rookie might be the better overall running back.
Irving outshined White against the Commanders, posting 62 rushing yards—double White’s total—on nearly half the carries, showcasing his efficiency compared to the team’s RB1. White, who has struggled with inefficiency throughout his two-year career, is seeing increasing pressure from the rookie.
As Irving continues to perform at a high level, it wouldn’t be surprising if he gradually takes over the starting role, making him a must-watch in fantasy circles.
Looking ahead to Week 2, Bucky Irving slots in at RB42 (+4 vs ECR) on The Wolf’s Fantasy Week 2 Rankings. He’s still considered a top handcuff to White, but does not currently have standalone fantasy football value.
As expected, The Wolf is high on Irving’s Rest of Season Fantasy Outlook, ranking him RB37 (+11). Meanwhile, Rachaad White has slipped to RB20 (-3).
