Bucs’ Bucky Irving Victim of Shocking Snub On Under-25 List

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Bucky Irving a year ago, they were coming off a year that saw them finished dead last in the league in rushing offense. Their totals significantly inhibited the capacity of their offense. 

This did not engineer any major changes, however. The Bucs stuck with Rachaad White as the No. 1 back and drafted Oregon's Bucky Irving in the fourth round. 

At the start of training camp, it appeared Irving's role would be focused on special teams returns and sparing down-and-distance use offensively. Very quickly, Irving became a piece Tampa Bay could not cram into a single mold. 

Instead, Irving would continue to prove himself before the team made the ultimate decision to install him as the No. 1 running back and keep him there. And he did an outstanding job of proving them right, totaling 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry last season. 

Far and away the best running back in his class last season, he was still left off PFF's Top 25 Players Under 25 List. Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and De'Von Achane all got the nod before the Bucs' young star. 

Frankly, the accolades for Robinson and Gibbs are hard to deny, having become elite players at their position, not just encouraging young player stories. The Achane selection is one up for more debate. 

Achane has shined with the Miami Dolphins through two seasons, but has not eclipsed the 1,000-mark just yet. Splitting carries with other backs may have to with that in someway, but Irving encountered that same challenge and became his offense's lead back. 

Irving's arrival also helped Tampa Bay transform that league-worst unit into a top 10 group with him spearheading the attack. That year-long impact may be worth more consideration when looking at this entire list of young impact players on the come-up. 

But the lists mean not to Irving and his team as the Bucs often find themselves being shorted in national comparisons. The goal for him and this offense will be to continue that high level of performance when they take the field for the 2025 season.