Former Oregon State running back Bucky Irving was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after a standout year in the Ducks backfield.
It can be tough for an NFL rookie to catch the attention of a veteran teammate … but that's not the case with Irving and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“Obviously, the run game was a little tough without pads,” Mayfield said of Irving. “One thing I'll say about (Irving), obviously he's got good handles. When he decides to slice through the field and run north-south, he goes. He makes it and he hits it. So far so good.”
The Buccaneers needed help in the running game when they drafted Irving, and while there didn't appear to be a clear plan for how to use him, he will likely be given an opportunity.
“Bucky was drafted to come here and help this football team, so obviously he's going to get a chance to show what we're capable of,” Buccaneers running backs coach Skip Peat said. “I think there's going to be some intense competition within the team, which is good for everybody.”
Irving certainly brings a great resume to Tampa Bay, joining starter Ratchad White in the running back room. White totaled 272 rushing attempts last season compared to No. 2 back Chase Edmonds' just 49.
Irving showed his mettle at the collegiate level, recording over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his final two seasons at Oregon. In 2023, he rushed for nearly 1,200 yards, averaged over six yards per carry, and scored 11 touchdowns. Irving was also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, recording 56 catches. These numbers prove he can be a big-play player when given a defined role in the offense.
Despite not playing a single down for Tampa Bay, NFL Wire has Irving on their “breakout list” for next season.
“The rookie out of Oregon will get plenty of touches in a Buccaneers' thin backfield,” NFL Wire wrote. “Other than Rachad White, there's no really proven back who's going to get a lot of attention or touches.”
Irving's performance at Oregon suggests he has the athletic ability to play in the NFL, and it's up to the former Duck to make that happen and have a breakout year.
