Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White quietly became the 14th running back since the turn of the millennium to rush for over 400 yards and catch 50 passes in their rookie season. So why is he coming off of the fantasy football draft board in the sixth round? Let’s take a closer look.
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Rachaad White’s Fantasy Outlook
When you realize how bad the Bucs’ running game was in 2022, it really is hard to feel great about any RB involved in that disaster cake.
Tampa Bay finished dead last in the league in rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing TDs, yards per carry, and runs of 20+ yards. Yikes.
While White’s inefficiency on the ground certainly mirrored the collective struggles of the entire offensive unit, he proved quite capable and effective as a pass catcher, hauling in 50 receptions on 58 targets.
The Buccaneers’ offensive struggles prevented White from a far better fantasy stat line, but he was still good enough to take Leonard Fournette’s starting job in November of last season. White’s emergence, coupled with Fournette’s struggles and eventual release, now has White entering his sophomore season with very little competition for touches in 2023.
Should You Draft Rachaad White at His Current Draft Day Price?
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from the Bucs’ offense this upcoming season. The post-Tom Brady era in Tampa Bay starts with a QB competition between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, an offensive line that is going to be a work in progress, and a brand new offensive coordinator.
All of that being said, White certainly has an inside track to a feature role in this backfield. One could argue his best competition for touches comes from undrafted rookie RB Sean Tucker, who likely would’ve been drafted if not for some medical concerns.
MORE: 2023 Fantasy Player Projections
While Baker or Trask are highly unlikely to pepper the RB position with an absurd 145 targets this upcoming season, don’t be surprised if White finishes third in receptions, yards, and targets behind WR duo Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Even if White continues to struggle as a pure runner and opens the door for a second running back to get some work alongside him, I don’t see a back currently on the roster who is likely to take White’s passing-down work from him.
White’s PPR floor alone makes him worth the selection in the sixth round. If Tampa Bay’s offense is better than expected, he could sneak into the top 12-15 range at the RB position.