Every NFL season brings a fresh set of opportunities, and the 2023 season is no exception. Among the players to watch this year are several emerging talents who have already begun to make names for themselves. Key among them are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, whose performances have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Buccaneers' Rising Star: Rachaad White
Rachaad White demonstrated significant promise as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, amassing 179 touches. Despite playing under the shadow of Leonard Fournette—who dominated with 269 total opportunities in 2022—White's potential was clear. As the Buccaneers decided to move on from Fournette by the 2023 season and notably did not add significant depth in their backfield, White's role became even more pivotal. His rise was meteoric; White concluded the season second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey's 339.
Drake London: From Promising Rookie to Established Presence
In his first two years, Drake London commanded a 25.9% target share, earning him the WR17 ranking. Despite this promising start, London’s fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that span. However, the future looks bright for London as he is set to have the experienced Kirk Cousins delivering passes to him in 2024, potentially increasing his effectiveness and consistency on the field.
Complementing London’s potential breakout is the presence of Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. Pitts, who underwent MCL and PCL repairs in late 2022, saw his targets increase from 58 in 2022 to 90 in 2023, indicating a growing role in the offense.
Alexander Mattison's New Chapter with the Raiders
The Raiders made a significant move in bolstering their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison during the offseason. This addition aims to strengthen the team’s running game, providing a reliable option for yardage and consistency. Meanwhile, the Lions demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive team by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Despite missing substantial portions of his rookie and sophomore seasons due to suspension, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, ranking WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022.
Joe Mixon Joins the Texans
The Texans made a notable acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This strategic move aims to inject experience and productivity into their lineup. Following Mixon’s departure from Cincinnati, Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to share the opportunities he vacated. Moss showed his capability in a lead role with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points in 2023, while Brown is still looking to expand on his 58 touches from last year.
Lions Stand Firm on Wide Receiver Depth
Despite speculation about potential additions to their wide receiver lineup, Detroit remains resolute. As 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.”
In summary, the 2023 NFL season is poised to be a fascinating journey for these emerging talents. With key players stepping into larger roles, teams making strategic moves, and other clubs showing confidence in their rosters, this year holds much promise and potential for captivating action.