Rachaad White = Deebo Samuel

June 29th, 2022

Rookie Bucs running back Rachaad White.

Here is one to file away in your hard drive for future reference.

In breaking down who will be the best rookie running backs, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports is of the mind that Bucs RB Rachaad White will be the second-best this fall.

Why does Trapasso feel so strongly? Because he believes White is sort of a Deebo Samuel clone.

Samuel, the 49ers star receiver, also gets about five carries per game. White is a running back who excels as a receiver.

… … keep tabs on White as the next marquee contributor out of the backfield in a Tom Brady offense. Why’s that? Two reasons. White’s a highly capable athletic specimen and he was born to be an asset in the pass game. As the bell cow in Arizona State’s offense last season, White averaged 5.5 yards per carry on 182 rushes caught 43 passes at a beefy 10.6 yards-per-grab average, and he only had three drops. In short, White thrives in space — which is not Fournette’s forte.

Based on his size and athleticism, White’s measurements and combine workout was 94.2% similar to Deebo Samuel when he entered the league in 2019, and White has a comparable pinball style with the ball in his hands. Plus, he’s playing in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses with an elite offensive line.

Joe isn’t expecting a whole lot from White this year for a variety of reasons. Most rookie running backs don’t shine. Oh sure, there’s an all-rookie team every year, but those guys are the exceptions.

Besides, Playoff Lenny can run and catch, too. So Joe doesn’t know how many chances White will get when it is difficult to pull Playoff Lenny off the field.

32 Responses to “Rachaad White = Deebo Samuel”

  1. Chris Tucker@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    I am excited about both him, and Cade Otten. LOL, Let Cade Otten not be forgotten!
    White was a receiver at one time, so has great hands AND enough speed to make him dangerous, after the catch.
    I am very excited for this year, and very proud of Spytek and Licht for this draft class.

  2. Casual Observer Says:

    The Bucs draft (including White) this year on paper looks impressive. White may truly shine.

  3. BucsNoles Says:

    If White is slotted to be 2nd best, who is the best rookie running back this fall ?????

  4. BucsNoles Says:

    Nvrmnd
    I didnt see the link
    Breece Hall

  5. Goatfarmer Says:

    What a crock. I’ll be happy if he makes the team.

  6. A Bucs Fan Says:

    Bucs drafted a premier football player in Mr. White. His story makes him even more like-able – Working many odd jobs including factory work while paying his way through JUCO to get an associates degree before transferring to a bigger school. He did this while helping to raise his young daughter too.

    His path forced him to grow up fast and I don’t think he’ll waste this opportunity to realize his dream.

    Here’s to hoping he has a healthy and productive career in Tampa!

  7. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    The more I hear & read about this draft class….the more I like it….

    White, Zion, Otten, Kieft, Goedeke……and don’t sleep on our new punter…..

    Looking very good!!!

  8. Duane Says:

    Its just hype. We are aware of all the things he could do in college. What we dont know is: Can he protect a 45 yo QB when the rush comes? Can he learn and understand the playbook? Can he protect the football when pro defenders are coming at him? There is a reason Lenny had two 1 year deals and now a hefty raise and a 3 yr deal. I dont have a problem with the pick, just the notion that this guy is going to be a huge contributor this season. To me, a lot of bad things would have to happen for this kid to get those kind of touches.

  9. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Byron Leftwich is not Mike McDaniel and Rachaad White is not Deebo Samuel.
    Expect Tyreek Hill to be this year’s Deebo Samuel.

  10. Ash Says:

    I think he sees more time than people think even with Lenny on the roster.

  11. SB~LV Says:

    lol…. Absurd statement!

  12. AlabamaBucsFan Says:

    If any position shines, it is usually rookie RBs,

  13. Goatfarmer Says:

    Duane wins the thread.

  14. jimm Says:

    maybe he could fill-in at slot for awhile?

  15. Captain Oblivious Says:

    Hey Joe, didn’t I read an article on JBF that 4nette likes to be called Lombardi Lenny? You referred to him as Playoff Lenny. Come on, keep up:)

  16. Eddie Marz Says:

    Hey Joe we didn’t draft him to be a stiff. If he can play, then expect him to excel. GOBUCS!

  17. Cobraboy Says:

    White reminds me more of Charles Sims than Deebo Samuel.

    That’s not a bad thing.

  18. AbucAway Says:

    Look I’m gonna just put this out there…I live within walking distance to Sun Devil Stadium and I want to assure anyone that loves the BUCS that this young buck is special and gifted. I love playoff lenny but he won’t hold his job with White pressing through. I’m telling y’all, this draft pick is the one.

  19. Yahmuni Says:

    People have no idea what they are about to see in deven thompkins

  20. View from 132 Says:

    How about “Random dude drafted by NFC runner-up; tries to make NFL.”

  21. Anonymous Says:

    LF best slim down, he didn’t look too great at ota s, if White is capable of learning the playback fast, he could shine!!

  22. RealBeach Says:

    Lenny looked overweight in otas. Hopefully White pushes him to another level. That would be good for the team no matter who ends up with playing time.

  23. BucsfanFred Says:

    I have high hopes for this kid.

  24. Buczilla Says:

    I like Lenny and he’s good, but nothing special. Its been forever since we’ve had a special back like Dunn, Wilder, or Alstott and I’m hoping that White can be that guy.

  25. don g Says:

    Lenny is ok Truthfully I liked Jones more. Wilder was a beast!! Same with A-Train. Dunn (I’m a gator fan) hard to say it but soooo good. Watched all 3 live Ricky Bell was good also. We dont have too many greats but those are 4 of them for sure I’m really pulling for this Rachaard dude I think he has what it takes

  26. BillyBucco Says:

    Do you think talk about Kareem Hunt was all hype too?
    I know a lot of Tampa fans are of the mindset I’ll believe it when I see it.

    Especially with our luck at the drafted RB.
    I’m telling you this kid is special, and he didn’t play in the SEC so later round.
    Thats why Hunt and Kamara come to mind.

    Just wait and see. We haven’t had it this good maybe ever.
    We are knit picking at this point.

  27. steele Says:

    I’m with Duane. We’ll see. If White’s role is gadget back/pass catcher, fine. Let him prove himself. The jury is very much out regarding his ability as a feature back who can carry an offense for long, bruising stretches, or his blocking ability.

    As for Deebo. How all of sudden is Deebo the standard for this type of player? There were “Deebos” before Deebo, many great ones.

  28. Defense Rules Says:

    Doesn’t pay to get too hyped up about rookies until they get a few games under their belt. IF he’s got what it takes, he’ll earn his touches and make the most of them. Tom Brady will see to that. Lenny will still be Tom’s go-to back for at least this season though. He’s earned it.

  29. Wild Bill Says:

    This guy is a good match for Brady skill sets. If Brady likes and trusts him he will get a significant role in the offense. Lenny is a lock now but the kid could emerge as strong backup/ change of pace asset if he is the real deal.

  30. Anonymous Says:

    BOLD.

    LFG

  31. Destinjohnny Says:

    Maybe asgood as last years draft

  32. donuts Says:

    Silly Season is officially in full bloom.