Bucs RB Bucky Irving left off national outlet's list that he clearly deserves to be on

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving didn't run like a rookie last season.  With over 1500 scrimmage yards, he was one of the straws that stirred arguably the best offense in the entire NFL in 2024. 

Yet, that's what he was.  Irving was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon.  All he did was have one of the best rookie seasons by a Bucs running back in franchise history with 1122 rushing yards (5.4 ypc), 8 rushing scores, and 47 catches for 392 yards. 

Still, that wasn't enough to get him on a list of elite young players in the league. Pro Football Focus put out their list of top 25 players under 25, and Irving's name was nowhere to be seen. 

The list of players identifies their three-year grade, average snaps played since 2022, and three-year WAR (wins above replacement) mark.  That being said, despite the "three-year grade" factor, plenty of 2024 rookies found their way onto the list.  That includes, obviously, 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, and deservedly so.  Pro Bowlers Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas, Jared Verse, and Malik Nabers also are understandably there. 

It's honestly hard to knock anyone off the list, as all are deserving.  That's odd to do for a post crying foul over Irving's omission.  

But I still think Irving is as deserving to be on that list as just about anyone on there.  Irving finished in the top 10 in scrimmage yards (10th), rushing yards (10th), all-purpose yards (6th), and yards per rush (6th).  

Irving was asked to do a lot as a rookie, and the speedy runner was a big reason the Bucs won some crucial games they needed to clinch a playoff spot in the season's final week.  If not for his massive game against Carolina (185 scrimmage yards), a 26-23 Bucs overtime win, Tampa Bay might not claim their fourth straight division title.

Ultimately, winning is what's most important, and Irving certainly has helped Tampa Bay do that.  It would just be nice if those outside of the Tampa Bay local market gave him some credit for his contributions.