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, including Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London, who are poised to make significant contributions to their respective teams.
Rachaad White: An Emerging Star
Rachaad White showed promise as a rookie with 179 touches, while his teammate Leonard Fournette dominated with 269 total opportunities for Tampa Bay in 2022. By 2023, the Buccaneers made a pivotal decision to move on from Fournette and did not add much depth in the running back department, leaving White as the primary option. With only Chase Edmonds, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Sean Tucker behind him, White seized the opportunity to lead the Buccaneers in touches.
In a breakout season, White was second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339. This surge in workload underscores Tampa Bay's trust in White’s abilities and sets the stage for what could be an even more prolific season for the young running back.
Drake London: From Potential to Production
Drake London’s first two years in the NFL showcased his potential. He commanded a 25.9% target share and ranked WR17 in that span. Despite this, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47, a discrepancy indicating untapped potential.
In 2024, London will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball, a significant upgrade from his previous quarterbacks Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke. The schematic shift from Smith’s run-first offense to Zac Robinson's pass-friendly system—an approach Robinson honed while working with Matthew Stafford as the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams—bodes well for London. This change could provide the conditions for London to finally translate his target share into consistent production.
Kyle Pitts: Bouncing Back Strong
Kyle Pitts made a significant impact as a rookie, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark. However, his momentum was halted by an unfortunate injury that required MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. Sharing playing time with Jonnu Smith, Pitts saw a reduction in targets, receiving only 58 in 2022 and 90 in 2023.
The upcoming season presents Pitts with an opportunity to bounce back fully from his injury. With Zac Robinson’s offensive philosophy favoring a more dynamic passing game, Pitts could see an increase in his involvement and regain his status as a premier tight end in the league.
Raiders' New Look Backfield
The Las Vegas Raiders have also undergone significant changes. With Josh Jacobs departing after five years, Zamir White is now set to take over as the lead back. To bolster their backfield, the Raiders signed Alexander Mattison during the offseason. With a defense ranked ninth overall, the Raiders’ improved roster gives Zamir White a solid supporting cast as he steps into his new role.
Jameson Williams: Ready for a Role
Jameson Williams, drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Lions after they traded up to acquire him, has faced setbacks in his early career. He missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension. However, the Lions’ management appears confident in his talent. According to Jeff Risdon, “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."
Since entering the league in 2022, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch, a testament to his explosive playmaking ability. The Lions' decision not to add a single wide receiver in free agency or the draft reflects their faith in Williams’ potential to become a cornerstone of their receiving corps.
Changing Dynamics in Houston
Another significant storyline is the transition happening in Houston’s backfield. Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309, is now the lead back for the Texans. This move opens up competition within the backfield he left behind in Cincinnati. Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities Mixon vacated. Moss showed glimpses of his potential with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023. Meanwhile, Brown, with only 58 touches last year, will vie for a bigger role in the offense.
The upcoming NFL season promises to be riveting, with these emerging players poised to make significant impacts. From Rachaad White’s expanded role in Tampa Bay to Drake London’s promising future with Kirk Cousins, and the rise of Jameson Williams in Detroit, the league is set for an influx of young talent ready to seize their moment in the spotlight.