The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to address their backfield in the 2024 NFL Draft, as Rachaad White's 1,500 yards from scrimmage were weighed down by the fact the inefficient runner mustered a lowly 3.6 yards per carry. It took Tampa until the fourth round to add a back, but they found a good one in former Oregon star Bucky Irving.
While he is smaller than most running backs in the league at 5-10 and a few ticks under 200 pounds, Irving is out to prove that his size will not hold him back. In his first few preseason games with Tampa, Irving is doing exactly that.
Irving has amassed 54 yards on 12 carries in two preseason games, looking aggressive and dynamic while doing so. The latest comments from head coach Todd Bowles make it seem like Irving's stock within the organization is at an all-time high after continuing to impress the coaching staff.
Bowles claims that Irving is the same player they saw on tape with the Ducks, highlighting his ability to make defenders miss and still be effective between the tackles despite his size. White will have to secede carries to Irving at some point if he keeps this level of play up.
#Bucs coach Todd Bowles says Bucky Irving is the exact same guy we saw on tape. He always makes the first guy miss, he's tough between the tackles and he's got a burst.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 18, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaches are very impressed with Bucky Irving
Irving only touched the ball 429 times from scrimmage in his two seasons at Oregon, but he turned those touches into nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. He did so with a unique style of play that made him a puzzling draft evaluation.
Despite his frame, Irving runs like a player 25 pounds heavier, lowering his shoulder to grind out tough yards and keeping his legs driving through contact. When one pairs that with excellent open field mobility, it is a wonder that he is able to even last until the fourth round for Tampa to take him.
The Bucs will likely run a pass-happy offense, as the marriage of Baker Mayfield and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen will likely be part of Tampa's newest aerial circus. However, the ground game could benefit from someone who used to work alongside Sean McVay, and Irving seems perfect for this scheme.
In a very similar offense, undersized Rams running back Kyren Williams went from afterthought to high-end starter. Perhaps Irving could eventually be in for a similar bump if evetrything goes smoothly during his time with Tampa Bay.