Buccaneers' Top=10 Running Back Set For 'Huge Role'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 10:53 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving burst onto the scene in his rookie season, taking all before him, which included the starting role under Liam Coen.

Now, with another full offseason, Irving is set to be the centerpiece of Josh Grizzard's offense despite the outside weapons at Baker Mayfield's disposal.

Why? Because the offense goes smoothly when it is a run-first unit.

And for former NFL back, now analyst Maurice Jones-Drew, in ranking all 32 starting backs, Bucky comes in at No. 10.

"The fourth-round pick was one of the biggest surprises at the position in 2024, eclipsing 1,100 rushing yards despite starting just three regular-season games," Jones-Drew writes. "In Year 2, Irving should assume a huge role in the Bucs' offense -- I expect his carries to increase -- despite the front office's continued focus on furnishing the passing attack."

Irving ranked 20th for attempts last season (207), and part of that was Rachaard White and Sean Tucker taking reps off the rookie, but could he be set for an increased workload? Jones-Drew thinks so.

Could he push towards 300 total carries? Something only six backs did last season? Possibly, but that might be asking a little too much. However, we do expect more than 207 attempts despite the receiving weapons at Grizzard's disposal.

Irving skyrocketed into people's loungerooms in 2024, and now there won't be any sneaking around - he's a known commodity.

And being a top-10 back in football feels right, and who knows, if things pan out the way he and Tampa Bay hope, he might be higher on this list this time next year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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