Entering the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hoped to begin rebuilding what had been the NFL’s worst rushing offense over two years. They expected Rachaad White’s progress to carry that load, hopefully getting some additional production from a rookie selected in the fourth round.
Bucky Irving’s minimal expectations had the team ready to be satisfied with minimal usage offensively and some added special teams production.
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But behind a revamped Bucs’ line, Irving surged to the top of the depth chart. He amassed over 1,000 yards in his rookie season, contributing to his total of 1,514 yards from scrimmage to go with eight total touchdowns.
Under Liam Coen, the Bucs remained a pass-heavy offense with Baker Mayfield under center and Mike Evans out wide. That did not stop Irving from making a rookie season statement and lifting Tampa Bay to top-five rushing marks.
By the end of the year, the Bucs’ secret became hard to keep, which is why Irving earned a spot on PFF’s list of the Top 101 Players of the 2024 season. On Wednesday, an initial ranking of No. 40 was issued, with Irving coming in at No. 58.
“Irving was phenomenal in his rookie season. The fourth-round pick from Oregon was the only back in the league who posted 90.0-plus PFF grades both as a runner and as a receiver. His 90.8 overall grade was fourth in the league among running backs as well,” PFF writes.
“Despite finishing with the 10th most catches among tailbacks (47), Irving broke the second-most tackles after the catch (20). That elite contact balance translated over to his rushing ability as well, as he led the league with four yards after contact per attempt.”
At a national scale, several other outstanding rookie campaigns overshadowed what Irving and others from the 2024 class accomplished, namely what Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did in leading his team to the NFC Championship.
However, as evidenced by his inclusion on the list, Irving showed he belonged among the best in the league in his first year. Next season, he will be expected to show progression and maintain the Bucs’ standing among the league’s most potent offenses.
