The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a smart move in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting running back Mar'Keise "Bucky" Irving from Oregon as the 125th overall pick. This decision proved to be pivotal as the Buccaneers sought to rejuvenate their struggling running game, which averaged a dismal 3.4 yards per carry in the previous season. With the arrival of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Buccaneers significantly improved their performance, boasting an impressive 5.3 yards per carry in 2024.

Irving quickly established himself as a key player in the Buccaneers' offense, initially starting behind Rachaad White before taking over as the starting running back halfway through the season. He ended the year with a remarkable 1,122 rushing yards, contributing to an average of 149.2 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the league. This resurgence signals a promising future for the team as they look to build on this momentum moving forward.