Sleeper Rookie
June 7th, 2022
Rookie RB Rachaad White.
So it seems the Bucs have a guy ready to catch fans by surprise.
And per Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, that surprise rookie will be Bucs running back Rachaad White.
Trapasso decided to look at every rookie and pick who’s flying under the radar on his team. For Trapasso, that sleeper is White.
Impressive stat to know: His 40-yard dash, vertical, and broad jump were all above the 75th percentile at the RB position at the combine [since] in 1999
There’s minimal competition for White as Leonard Fournette’s backup in Tampa Bay, and Tom Brady loves cycling through backs, especially those who are competent pass-rushers. And that’s precisely an area of strength for White. At Arizona State, he hauled in 43 receptions for 456 yards in 2021.
At a thick 6-0 and 214 pounds, White is a smooth mover on the field, too, leading to quality elusiveness between the tackles. He’ll be a Brady favorite by November.
Joe won’t say there is no clear-cut challenge to White as Playoff Lenny’s top backup. Joe believes Ke’Shawn Vaughn very much can challenge White. Vaughn had a nice last few games last year and if he can build on that, he should be a solid contributor.
And Ira Kaufman would bellyache that his crush Giovani Bernard is Playoff Lenny’s backup. He certainly got playing time last year (3 touchdown catches) when healthy.
It will be interesting to see what White does when the pads come on next month. Joe doesn’t trust anything seen at underwear football.
June 7th, 2022 at 12:25 am
Sounds like Sneak is going to be relegated to the bench yet again. I think Gio is the #3, but it’s interesting to think how everyone assumed last year with RoJo it was a run and now this year it seems with Gio everyone will know its a pass.
June 7th, 2022 at 12:32 am
O. J. White…..coin that name!
June 7th, 2022 at 12:45 am
Good to know White is a competent pass-rusher too.
Man! This kid really does it all.
June 7th, 2022 at 12:48 am
Seriously tho: This kid is cocky and Howard thinks he can back it up on the field. He really wants to perform for the GOAT and be a star in the league
June 7th, 2022 at 12:50 am
When is the last time we drafted a good running back? I’ll believe it when I see it.
Seems every other team in the league can do it so maybe we finally get over the hump here
June 7th, 2022 at 12:57 am
With Mason, Jensen, and Goedeke on the inside, third round versatile Vaughn could have a break out season likely to get a larger amount of snaps now with the departure of Ronald Jones. He can break out up the middle and gone. RBs group is deep in versatility and expect a larger running game, but also a large amount of PA that can gain serious passing yards.
June 7th, 2022 at 1:00 am
I think Zyon will be the surprise rookie.
The 2 TEs should turn out at least ok like the 2 LBs last year.
We’re drafting a pretty good post Brady era.
June 7th, 2022 at 1:23 am
Licht always drafts at least two sleepers. Had another great draft where any one of these guys look to have talent and serious potential. From what I’ve heard is the kid from Georgia has a boot. I might cry if McCollum wins the number two CB. I’m not a fan of Dean and a sick fifth round rookie with a Carlton Davis four year deal is a dream.
June 7th, 2022 at 1:23 am
It’s a pretty low bar. This is not a great RB corps. In limited opps, Vaughn looked ok but only made a handful of really good plays as a runner. Whiffed on a number of passes. Unless Rachaad turns out to be the new Adrian Peterson, we will be in here next offseason looking for a game breaking new back again.
June 7th, 2022 at 2:38 am
Asdf Carnell Williams was a monster I thought . He was in the hall of fame after his 4th ever nfl game . I know his story but he carried us to the playoffs his rookie year then after he blew out both knees he came back to show his hands was still there . He was a complete back albeit one season. We was 7-9 4-12 two seasons before him respectively
June 7th, 2022 at 4:01 am
Yea caddy was a beast before he blew out his knees. One of my fav backs
June 7th, 2022 at 7:03 am
BA (and by default BL) have had our RBs significantly more involved in the passing game than in previous recent years. Would expect that to continue, and even accelerate, with the addition of Rachaad White.
o 2021: Fournette, RoJo, Gio, Vaughn, Bell, Barner … Total RB targets: 138 … Total pass attempts: 731 … 18.9% to RBs.
o 2020: Fournette, RoJo, Vaughn, McCoy … Total RB targets: 118 … Total pass attempts: 626 … 18.8% to RBs.
o 2019: Barber, RoJo, Ogunbowale, TJ Logan … Total RB targets: 113 … Total pass attempts: 630 … 17.9% to RBs.
o 2018: Barber, RoJo, Rodgers, Wilson … Total RB targets: 88 … Total pass attempts: 625 … 14.1% to RBs.
o 2017: Martin, Rodgers, Barber, Sims … Total RB targets: 95 … Total pass attempts: 605 … 15.7% to RBs.
BA has certainly had our RBs more involved in the passing game (19%) since Tom Brady has been our QB. With the addition of White, wouldn’t be at all surprised to see that percentage hit 20% this year (and maybe even higher in the early season until Chris Godwin gets back).
June 7th, 2022 at 7:15 am
We could have several sleepers in this draft……White for sure…..Zion, the two TEs….& yes….the punter.
Fans scoff at us drafting a punter but we immediately saved $3m and I believe we will see we improved greatly on the position.
June 7th, 2022 at 10:31 am
Yep!
He gonna be something that the Bucs have not seen in a long long time!
June 7th, 2022 at 11:59 am
Defense what were Brady’s numbers to backs in NE.
I would think 2015 and 2017 would be telling.
June 7th, 2022 at 1:08 pm
I didn’t know Rachaad was “a competent pass-rusher too”?! Well there’s our pass-rushing depth behind Shaq and JPP to go w/ Gill and Nelson 😂
As far as his running style, he really is a glider in every sense of the word. The more I watch I do see some Marcus Allen running STYLE to him…not saying he is Marcus, but the way they glide when they tote the rock does have some similarities the more you watch.