Every NFL season brings a fresh set of opportunities, and the 2023 season is no exception. As the league gears up, fans and analysts have their eyes set on several emerging talents who have shown promise and now have the opportunity to step up and make a significant impact on their teams.
Rising Stars in the NFL
Among these rising stars, Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands out. White's rookie season was impressive, with 179 touches that hinted at his potential. His teammate Leonard Fournette, however, dominated the backfield with a total of 269 opportunities in 2022. By 2023, the Buccaneers made a pivotal decision to move on from Fournette, showing their confidence in White by not adding significant depth in the running back department. This decision paid off as White emerged second in the NFL with an astounding 336 touches, just three short of Christian McCaffrey’s league-leading 339.
Drake London is another young talent to watch. In his first two years, London commanded a 25.9% target share, ranking WR17 in terms of usage. Despite this, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47. This disparity highlights untapped potential in London's game that could be unlocked with better quarterback play. In 2024, London will benefit from the veteran presence of quarterback Kirk Cousins, and this partnership could elevate his performance significantly.
Comeback and Challenges
Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, faced challenges in 2022 due to injuries. Pitts required MCL and PCL repair late in the season, which undoubtedly affected his production. Despite receiving only 58 targets in 2022, Pitts managed to bounce back somewhat in 2023 with 90 targets. If he remains healthy, Pitts could return to his rookie form and be a crucial asset for his team.
The Detroit Lions have also made notable moves to bolster their roster. They drafted Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up, signaling their strong belief in his potential. However, Williams missed most of his rookie season and additional games in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite these setbacks, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, showing his efficiency and potential for explosive plays. Jeff Risdon commented on Detroit’s strategy, stating, “I know they're excited about what they've got in him, and that's why they're not pursuing any other wide receivers and you will not see other wide receivers brought in. Agents have asked... Detroit is not interested in bringing in any receivers at this point.”
Team Adjustments and Acquisitions
Team strategies often pivot based on player availability and performance. The Raiders, for example, signed Alexander Mattison during the offseason to bolster their backfield. This move underscores the team's intent to ensure depth and reliability in their rushing attack.
The Houston Texans made a significant acquisition by bringing in Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This addition aims to strengthen their offensive dynamics. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals will need to adjust to Mixon's departure, with Zack Moss and Chase Brown expected to share the workload he vacated. Moss showed his capability in 2023 with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role, whereas Brown had a quieter season with only 58 touches.
As teams refine their rosters and tactics, fans can anticipate a season full of excitement and unexpected turns. Emerging talents like Rachaad White and Drake London, comeback hopefuls like Kyle Pitts, and strategic acquisitions such as Joe Mixon will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in shaping the outcomes of their respective teams. The 2023 NFL season is set to be a compelling chapter in the history of the league, with every game offering a glimpse of these players' evolving careers.