Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving got a major nod over three-time All-Pro in national outlet's pecking order

Bucs RB Bucky Irving was selected by Jason Licht in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.  It was a quiet move, one that seemed like any other mid-round draft pick.  Promising but unproven.  

It took little time for that move to stick out as one of the best in the entire draft.  Irving made an immediate impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense, securing the primary number of touches by the end of his rookie season.  He finished 2024 with 1514 yards from scrimmage, with 1122 on the ground (5.4 ypc) and 392 more on 47 catches.

One major national outlet sees Irving as one of the best running backs in the league already.  Pro Football Focus put out their list of top 32 running backs in the NFL, and Irving checked in at #6, one spot ahead of three-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. 

PFF had the following to say about Irving: 

Irving was sensational as a rookie. He didn’t quite have the volume stats of other running backs in this list's range, but his efficiency scores were that of a top-10 back.

He earned a 90.0 PFF rushing grade with 62 forced missed tackles and led the NFL with 3.93 yards after contact per attempt (among running backs with at least 150 carries). He also posted a 90.2 PFF receiving grade, the second-highest mark at the position. - Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

That's pretty high praise, given what McCaffrey has done and where he still is in his career.  

However, Irving showed a special ability in a number of aspects in 2024.  His combination of elusiveness and power is rare, as evidenced by the number of times he both forced a missed tackle and ran through contact for additional yardage.  He also has shown to be a true weapon in the passing game, with the sure hands and patience to follow his blockers. 

The Bucs will be breaking in a new offensive coordinator this fall in Josh Grizzard with Liam Coen off to the Jacksonville Jaguars.  However, with the entire offense returning, Grizzard doesn't have to reinvent the wheel.  Just keep giving to one of the best running backs in the entire league.