Bucs' Bucky Irving's True Value Highlighted

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 8:22 AM ET

If you want to look at how a running back can help transform an offense, then look no further than Bucky Irving's 2024 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Taken in the fourth round, Irving was seen to be a backup to starter Rachaad White, but such was Irving's talent when offensive coordinator Liam Coen put him into the game, it became evident early that Irving was giving more than White.

As such, Irving was eventually pushed ahead of White as behind a solid offensive line, Bucky rushed for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per clip.

After the Buccaneers had one of the worst run games in football in 2023 (90.4, ranked 31st), with the help of Irving and Coen, that skyrocketed to 146.5 (ranked 5th) in 2024.

Due to Irving's ability to upgrade the offense, Fox Sports named him among the top 10 draft picks from the 2024 class.

Part of an offense led by Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers and Irving put up points for fun with the unit able to get after teams through the air with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, or pound them into submission with Irving and the ground game.

Considering Bucky was a fourth-round selection, to be named in the top 10 for draft picks last year is quite the feather in his cap, and it has also helped push the running back narrative in this year's class, with so much value seen in the later rounds.

Teams were afraid to pick a back in the third and fourth rounds, but not now, as they have seen Irving come in and dominate.

And the plan for 2025 will be the same. Give Irving the ball, and get out of his way.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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