The Pewter Plank
FanSided

3 Leonard Fournette replacement who can have a huge impact for Bucs in 2023

By Josh Hill

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Leonard Fournette #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shakes hands with fans as he enters the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Leonard Fournette #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shakes hands with fans as he enters the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Rachaad White #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stretches across the goal line for a touchdown as Marco Wilson #20 of the Arizona Cardinals defends during the 4th quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Rachaad White #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stretches across the goal line for a touchdown as Marco Wilson #20 of the Arizona Cardinals defends during the 4th quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Rachaad White. player. RB. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (On Roster). 1. 48. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Perhaps the Buccaneers don’t need to look far to find a perfectly suitable replacement for Fournette. Rachaad White has already been mentioned a few times here, and he’s in a prime position to take over as RB1 now that Fournette’s spot on the depth chart has been vacated.

The Bucs had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year, but that shouldn’t be held against White. Not only was he at times a bright spot in an otherwise bleak position group, but Dave Canales was brought in to help rebuild the running game and bring it out of the dark abyss it fell into.

Moreover, Canales hired former Dallas Cowboys running back coach Skip Peete to help with the rebuilding effort which is an early sign that White could be in for a breakout season. Not only could he be getting starting reps all season, but he’ll be working with a coach who helped Kenneth Walker III become a rookie sensation in Seattle and a coach who elevated both Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard in Dallas.

White is in a phenomenal position to succeed, and the Bucs are sitting pretty as well. White is under contract through the 2025 season, with his rookie deal expiring before the 2026 offseason. That means if he experiences a star turn, he’ll be affordable for the next few seasons and won’t take salary away from other areas of the roster Tampa Bay can fill out.

A lot hinges on whether White can step into the starting role and become a star, but early returns were very promising last season and things seem to be lining up in his favor.

Next. Ranking 16 free agent QB targets for Bucs in 2023. dark

Home/Bucs Rumors