Bucky Irving did wonders as a rookie and he’s got the Bucs RB room positioned as one of the best heading into the 2025 season.
One of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season was the swift emergence of rookie running back Bucky Irving. Despite earning just three starts all season, Irving managed to record over 1,500 yards from scrimmage, including 1,128 rushing yards to go with eight touchdowns on the ground. The rookie’s best game came in Week 12 when he recorded 152 rushing yards and a score on 25 carries.
Entering the 2025 season, the Bucs running back room currently consists of Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, and D.J. Williams. White had 613 yards and three scores (in 15 starts) while Tucker chipped in 308 yards and two touchdowns as the team’s third-stringer.
After another strong season for the Bucs as a whole, their players are getting a lot of love this offseason. In a new set of rankings by Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman where he ranks all 32 running back rooms, the Bucs landed just outside the top five at No. 6.
Here’s what he had to say about their placement:
“Bucky Irving’s outstanding rookie season boosts the Buccaneers well into the top 10 on this list. He finished fourth among all running backs with a 90.8 PFF overall grade and was the only player in the NFL to record 90.0-plus PFF grades as a rusher and receiver.”
“Rachaad White’s 73.8 PFF overall grade is evidence that he is more than capable of playing a complementary role. Even third-stringer Sean Tucker got in on the action last season, earning an 80.0 mark and racking up 237 total yards, including kick returns, against New Orleans in Week 6.”
The Bucs have had one of the best receiving groups in the league for several years now. The fact that they added an impressive running back on day three cannot be understated. It’s put the Bucs not only in a position to compete at the highest level now, but for years to come. While Mike Evans is getting further into his 30s, the team also just draft Emeka Egbuka in the first round.
You want to talk about a team that’s reloading before the need even arises? The Bucs are doing just that.