Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice: Bucky Irving (2024 Fantasy Football)

This is what we’ve been waiting for, fantasy football enthusiasts. The NFL Draft is under way, and we finally get to see where the rookie prospects are going to launch their professional careers. And NFL Draft landing spots allow us to start to zero in on fantasy football and dynasty rookie draft pick values.

Throughout the draft, we’ll take a closer look at fantasy-relevant prospects, giving you an overview of their strengths and weaknesses, and assessing their fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty formats.

Let’s dig in.

Fantasy Football Rookie Draft Outlook

Fitz’s Fantasy Football Outlook

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Oregon’s Bucky Irving with the 25th pick of the fourth round. Irving profiles as a passing-down back who doesn’t have the size or speed to be a heavy contributor on early downs.

After launching his college career at the University of Minnesota, Irving transferred to Oregon before his sophomore year. He turned in a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Ducks before declaring himself eligible for the draft following his junior year.

While Irving was a productive runner for Oregon, with 17 TD runs and an average of 6.5 yards per carry over the last two seasons, it’s his pass-catching ability that stands out. Irving had 87 receptions over the last two years, and he had 56 receptions for 413 yards and two touchdowns in his final college season.

The 5-9, 192-pound Irving is quick and slippery, with a bagful of moves and above-average contact balance. He has reliable hands and can be a weapon in the passing game because of how well he operates in space.

Irving’s small frame will probably prevent him from being an effective inside runner in the NFL. He’s going to have to make his living as a passing-down back for the Buccaneers, and while Irving is a fine pass catcher, he’s a poor pass blocker. As shifty as Irving is, he doesn’t have great speed. At the combine, he clocked a 4.55 at 192, giving him a 27th percentile speed score, according to PlayerProfiler.com.

It’s hard to envision Irving getting substantial playing time as a rookie since Bucs RB Rachaad White is a good pass-catcher who served as a true three-down workhorse last season. On the bright side, the middle of the fourth round is satisfying draft capital for Irving, whom some analysts projected to fall into the fifth round or beyond because of his disappointing 40-yard dash at the combine.

For dynasty, I have Irving ranked RB11 in this class and RB49 overall. His pass-catching ability makes him rosterable in all dynasty leagues, but his lack of size and athleticism limit his top-end potential.

For redraft, Irving had a predraft FantasyPros Expert Consensus Ranking of RB68 in half-point PPR redraft leagues and an Underdog best-ball ADP of RB47.

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Thor’s NFL Draft Profile & Player Comp

Bucky Irving (Oregon)
5090/192 | RAS: 2.13
Player Comparison: Theo Riddick

Efficient air back with very good feet. Slippery. Makes the first guy miss. Very good contact balance — a good form tackle is taking him down, but he ricochets away from off-angle attempts. Solid burst but categorically lacks long speed. Good receiver — will have to make his living there in the NFL. Terrible pass blocker — doesn’t have the frame for it. Bucky Irving overcame his lack of measurables in the Pac-12 to become one of college football’s best backs. Will he be the Kyren Williams exception? Or become part of the larger sample when it comes to small, unathletic backs at the next level?

Check out more NFL Draft profiles and player comps from Thor in our 2024 NFL Draft Guide