Dynasty Football Factory’s 2024 NFL Draft Coverage: Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving | Oregon           5’9” 192 lbs.             08/19/2002 (Age 21)

Bucky Irving was drafted 125th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the 6th running back and 125th overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

After a solid freshman season playing for Minnesota University, Irving decided to transfer and serve as Oregon’s lead back for two years. With a large workload, Irving produced 2,238 rushing yards, 87 receptions, 712 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns in 27 career games with the Ducks. His 2023 season was his best year of the three, and he finished with Second-Team All-PAC-12 honors after posting 1,593 scrimmage yards and 13 total touchdowns in 14 games played. 

FILM

STRENGTHS

Patient runner, who has quick-strike abilities when a hole opens. Runs with a solid base and sheds a lot of would-be tackles, showcasing solid run-through power. Shows off impressive jump cut and spin move abilities in the open field. One of, or even the best pass-catching back in this class. Irving ended his 2023 season with 56 catches for 413 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also reliable, as he’s only coughed the ball up once in 39 collegiate games (486 attempts). 

WEAKNESSES 

Doesn’t possess the ideal frame of a pro running back, which causes concern for durability purposes. Lacks straight-line speed and often gets caught from behind in the open field. Needs to improve tremendously on his pass-blocking skills. At the same time, his lack of frame and strength limit him in that role. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL combine, Irving measured in at 5’9” and 192 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 28.4. He ran a mediocre 4.55 40-yard dash (64th percentile), equating to a sluggish 89.6-speed score (27th percentile). Irving also displayed a poor 107.7 burst score (7th percentile). 

Irving showcased poor leaping abilities with a 29.5” vertical (lowest amongst all running backs at the combine) and a 115” broad jump (second lowest amongst all running backs at the combine). This was not a great combine for Iriving (displaying many red flags athletically), but he more than makes up for his athletic testing with his play on the field. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Good

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average

Irving was selected with the 125th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

After adding depth to their wide receiver room by drafting Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers add more depth to their running back position by adding Irving. He’ll come in and compete with Sean Tucker and Chase Edmonds for the RB2 role behind Rachaad White.  

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Irving received a fifth-round grade from me, and I had him as my seventh-ranked running back behind Jonathan Brooks, Trey Benson, Braelon Allen, Jaylen Wright, MarShawn Lloyd, and Blake Corum. 

In your rookie drafts, Irving should go between the end of the second round and the beginning of the third round. Unless you want to handcuff him as a White owner, he isn’t worth the risk earlier than that. Don’t be surprised if Irving comes in and establishes himself as the clear backup behind White. But also be realistic; he isn’t taking over as this team’s RB1 role unless White suffers a long-term injury. 

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