Every NFL season carries with it a sense of renewed opportunity, and the 2023 season is gearing up to be no different. Among the legion of players poised to make headlines this year, several budding stars are already drawing substantial attention.
Emerging Talents in the Spotlight
Two players, in particular, have caught the eyes of fans and analysts alike: Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London. White, who showed considerable promise as a rookie with 179 touches, finds himself stepping into a more prominent role this season. The Buccaneers' decision to part ways with Leonard Fournette, who dominated with 269 opportunities last season, leaves a substantial void for White to fill. In pre-season analyses, White was second in the NFL with 336 touches, just three short of Christian McCaffrey's 339, positioning him as a pivotal figure for the Buccaneers moving forward.
Similarly, wide receiver Drake London has shown incredible potential in his first two years, commanding a 25.9% target share and ranking WR17. Though his fantasy points per game saw him placed at WR47, much of his performance can be attributed to the evolving dynamics on his team. The 2024 season promises a shift, as London will catch passes from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a development expected to enhance his role and performance significantly.
Key Developments and Decisions
Another player making headlines is Kyle Pitts, known for surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie. However, Pitts hit a rough patch towards the end of 2022, requiring MCL and PCL repair. His targets dropped to 58 in 2022 but saw an uptick to 90 in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have signed Alexander Mattison to strengthen their backfield, and the Lions made a decisive move by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Williams' start has been rocky; missing most of his rookie season and further time in his sophomore season due to suspension. Nevertheless, Williams ranks as WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, highlighting his efficiency when on the field.
Strategic Acquisitions
The Texans made a splash by acquiring Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This move sets up an interesting scenario in Cincinnati, where Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities Mixon vacated. Moss demonstrated his capability by recording multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023, whereas Brown had only 58 touches last year, creating a potential for a breakout season.
Team Strategies and Expectations
Detroit's strategy regarding their wide receiver lineup has been particularly noteworthy. Jeff Risdon commented on the Lions' approach, 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.” This decision underscores their confidence in their current roster and the potential they see in Williams.
As the season progresses, these strategic plays and emerging talents will undoubtedly shape the narrative of NFL 2023. Each team's decisions, driven by a mix of data, performance, and gut instinct, promise to bring exciting twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.