Top NFL Rookie Running Back Honors For Bucky Irving

November 19th, 2024

So who’s the best rookie running back in the NFL?

First, Joe will note that five running backs were drafted before Bucs rookie RB Bucky Irving, and the five running backs snatched after Irving came within the nine selections following Irving going to Tampa Bay in Round 4.

Back to the question? The best rookie RB is a toss-up now between Irving (492 yards, 5.1 yards per carry and 4 rushing touchdowns) and Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (545 yards, 5.1 yards per carry and 3 rushing TDs).

Irving has been more active in the passing game with 26 catches to Tracy’s 18.

No other rookie running back has been close to their league. Joe find that very cool, considering Irving was a fourth-round pick and Tracy went in Round 5.

Also, both Irving and Tracy have had a devastating fumble that likely cost their team a win. Tracy’s came two weeks ago against the Panthers — and he’s had a bye week to think about it before facing the Bucs on Sunday.

Recently, ESPN NFL writers Matt Bowen, Kalyn Kahler, Jeff Legwold, Matt Miller and Jordan Reid gathered to ranked the top-10 NFL rookies.

Irving didn’t make the cut, but he was the only running back on the “just missed” level, which essentally the list of rookies ranked Nos. 11-15.

There were seven honorable mentions in the rankings but Tracy didn’t make that cut. However, Bucs rookie cornerback Tykee Smith did.

14 Responses to “Top NFL Rookie Running Back Honors For Bucky Irving”

  1. fire bowles Says:

    i love bucky he is way batter at running then white but todd bowles dosent put him in alot

  2. I Remember 21 Says:

    Licht showing improvement at drafting RBs, you love to see it! Now let’s get this man some more touches!

  3. Haleywood Says:

    Irving has been electric with the ball in his hands. One of the best picks the Bucs have made in recent years. I also Love Tykee Smith and Graham Barton. Now if we can just get Braswell and McMillan going it’ll be a homerun of a draft. That said, it doesn’t look likely this year as they still have a lot of growing to do..

  4. BallHawk75 Says:

    Good thing we didn’t use him late in the fourth quarter on first and goal to go.

    That’s way too aggressive for toilet Bowels.

    White up the gut twice for negative yards. Then Faker misses a wide open receiver.

    Just as toilet Bowels drew it up. He’s fabulous.

    I smell a contract extension.

  5. Guy In the Stands Says:

    Hopefully coming out of the bye, Bucky sees the 1st and 2nd down snaps.
    Let White take 3rd downs and alternate Tucker every 2 series to keep Bucky fresh for the 4th.

    Then again… that might make too much sense for the football brains at Once Buc to figure out.

  6. Dave Pear Says:

    Algo swatting them away aggressively today. Get your best players n teh field at critical moments. Who doesn’t know that? At least one guy apparently, and he’s kind of important in the decision chain.

  7. Bojim Says:

    Ballhaek. You don’t like Baker. We get it.

  8. Bobby M. Says:

    I think Irving’s issue with consistent pass blocking is his size….probably needs to add weight in offseason. Once he’s reliable at pass protection, he’ll be much like Dunn. He’s going to be very productive for our offense

  9. TampaBayBucFan Says:

    We are good at RB…..scratch that off with our draft…..we need…..LB, CB…..and I’d love another top TE…..

    Unfortunately, we are still looking for OLB help…..

  10. JimBobBuc Says:

    Bucky needs more touches and the Bucs need more wins for him to get the national media attention. I wonder what his snap count number is? Does his toe bother him at the end of games?

  11. Bucks 'n' Bucs Says:

    I wish the Bucs would use Tucker the way Baltimore uses Henry. Bring the fresh legs in in the 4th quarter after the opponent’s defense is worn down.

    The way Bucky is being used is smart. I think next year he’ll be the clear #1.

  12. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Tucker and Irving should be 1 & 2 and let White have a go in the 4th if we have a good lead, but unfortunately Coen channels his best Blowles and does the total opposite

  13. Bring back the lawn chairs Says:

    When the game is on the line, Bucky is riding the pine.
    That sportsfans will forever remain a mystery to me.

  14. Dave Pear Says:

    Solution to mystery is in the head coich’s office at OBP.