Fantasy Football 2024: Why Bucky Irving is a Late-Round Sleeper

By Jason Bolton September 09, 2024 04:39

Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Finding those late-round sleepers is one of the most challenging aspects of fantasy football, but most of these drafted players are outperforming their draft position with significant value. A 2024 player for the same reasons listed above is Bucky Irving, a talented running back with an increase to be special in the league.

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Player Profile

Growing up in a small town, Irving's path to this point has been incredible. He played college football at the University of Oregon, and as an RB, he often proved himself superior. Irving rushed for 2,238 yards and a pair of touchdowns in two seasons as a Blue Jay. He was one of college football's more dynamic playmakers, and he made life tough on tackles at UCLA.

Current Season Analysis

By 2024, Bucky Irving is in a promising situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Irving was a solid value at No. 125 overall and should be in contention for touches in New York's backfield immediately, pending further additions to the depth chart. Irving is now the favorite for Arizona's RB2 job after Chase Edmonds was placed on season-ending injured reserve, so that could lead to some quality work.

Irving is a key piece in the Buccaneers' offensive plan. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has called Irving explosive to top speed and elusive in the open field. That skill set is a good fit for the Bucs' offense, which emphasizes short and explosive plays. With Rachaad White now the clear lead back, Irving has a chance at stealing touches and making good on White's inefficiencies as an NFL runner in his own right.

Comparison with Other Players

Bucky Irving is different than the Shevses and Saquon Davis-Webbs of the world that saturate your draft board, which means he curiously should find his way onto plenty of rosters by next month. Unlike many rookies who must fight for snaps from the start, Irving reportedly has a clear path to significant playing time. Richard White was excellent as a receiver, but his 3.6 yards per carry meant he didn't run well from under center last year. That helps Irving carve out a large role.

On the other hand, late-round running backs Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers and Jaleel McLaughlin of the Broncos have both more crowded backfields and only marginally better engagement.

Expert Opinions

In fantasy football, some analysts are starting to catch on that Bucky Irving is a sleeper pick. Well-respected fantasy analyst Jacob Gibbs pointed out an important fact regarding Irving: how he ran the ball well in the preseason, gaining yardage on every touch. Gibbs stressed Irving's "home-run capability," which could mean plenty of points if he hit the kind of homers in places where playing baseball would make him an outlaw.

Moreover, fantasy football expert Theo Gremminger named Irving a potential deep sleeper for the season, likely value to outperform his ADP and poses as someone fantasy managers should be targeting as a late-round steal.

Knowing where the value may be in fantasy football often leads to winners. Bucky Irving is that player, and smart managers would be wise to weigh him into their endgame draft theory. Maybe it's the safest sleeper pick that could put you over the top when Irving pans out.