Entering this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought they had found a steal of a running back in the fourth round. Needing to uplift the NFL's worst backfield from 2023, they found the perfect complement to starter Rachaad White.
Irving not only proved his team correct, but has challenged for and been given a larger role than many thought he would have coming out of Oregon. In fact, Irving has proved a difference maker on several occasions for a Bucs' offense deprived of its usual play-making core.
The rookie's production has also given him the nod over White as the team's primary ball carrier out of the backfield. Irving has accumulated 96 carries for 492 yards in 10 games, good for a 5.1 yard-per-carry average to lead the Bucs on the season.
White remains the first option among running backs in the passing game, but Irving remains a viable secondary pass catcher from his position. He is fifth on the team in receiving yards with 188 on 26 grabs.
Essentially splitting usage, Irving has found ways to make an immediate impact in his first year. This certainly has caught the attention of his coaches and teammates, but also translates across the league as well.
Among all rookie running backs, Irving has the most all-purpose yards (836) and leads the group with four touchdowns. His rushing totals also stand with the best in the 2024 class.
Irving and the remainder of his 2024 colleagues may not be heralded as a premier group in the hierarchy of running back draft classes. But Bucs fans are all saying the same thing about how that has not taken away from his impact on the field this season.
Tampa Bay holds a 4-6 record heading into their final seven games. In that time, they hope to reclaim control of the NFC South and return to the postseason.
As they embark on that trek, Irving figures to play a significant role in that process.
