The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be an intriguing one, filled with emerging talents and strategic team moves that promise to reshape the landscape of the league.
Rising Stars to Watch
Two players have stood out this season with their remarkable performances: Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London. White, who had showed promise as a rookie with 179 touches in 2022, saw a significant increase in his workload after the Buccaneers decided to move on from Leonard Fournette. With Fournette dominating with 269 total opportunities in 2022, White stepped up in 2023 to become second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey's 339. This strategic shift by Tampa Bay to not add much depth in the running back department appears to be paying off handsomely.
On the receiving end, Drake London has made a substantial impact in his first two years. Commanding a 25.9% target share, London ranked WR17 in target share. Despite his ranking, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47 during that span. His role in the coming seasons looks promising, especially with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to be throwing him the ball in 2024.
Key Moves in the Offseason
Several teams made noteworthy moves in the offseason that could significantly alter their fortunes. The Raiders, for instance, signed Alexander Mattison to bolster their backfield. The signing suggests that the team is looking for a more dynamic and reliable ground game. Mattison's addition is expected to provide some needed depth and strength to the team's offense.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions made headlines by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Although Williams missed most of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore season due to suspension, he has shown flashes of brilliance. Since entering the league in 2022, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch—a testament to his explosive potential. Echoing this sentiment, Jeff Risdon noted, "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.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the promise, not all emerging talents have had smooth paths. Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, faced challenges due to injuries. Pitts required MCL and PCL repair in late 2022, which significantly impacted his play. After receiving only 58 targets in 2022, his opportunities increased to 90 targets in 2023. The hope is that Pitts will continue to recover and return to his standout form.
In Cincinnati, the departure of Joe Mixon, who was acquired by the Texans, left a significant void. Mixon had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. Now, Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to split the opportunities Mixon vacated. Moss has shown promise, having had multiple games where he exceeded 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023. On the other hand, Brown had only 58 touches last year, indicating he may need more time to develop into a key player.
As the season progresses, these developments will undoubtedly play crucial roles in shaping team dynamics and outcomes. The 2023 NFL season may very well be remembered for the rise of new stars and the strategic moves that have set the stage for exciting football action.