The Bucs have a two-headed monster at running back heading into 2025.
Opposing defensive coordinators will have their work cut out for them as they look to contain a run game that combined to have 483 carries for 2,536 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. Between Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, they did a lot of that damage, combining for 351 carries, 1,735 rushing yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Primed for another big year, there is no ego about who is the better runner in the backfield. With the way the offense will be designed under offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, run game coordinator/offensive line coach Kevin Carberry, and running backs coach Skip Peete, there will be enough carries to go around to Irving, White, and even Sean Tucker.
During mandatory mini-camp earlier this month, each of the top backs discussed how they have each other’s backs — no matter what.
Bucky Irving, Rachaad White’s Relationship “Goes A Long Way”
Believe it or not, Rachaad White is the elder statesman of the running back room. It seems like just yesterday he was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, he is tasked with being a mentor and complement Bucky Irving.
Irving appreciates the dynamic the two share and is glad to share the backfield with him.
Bucs RBs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Our relationship [goes] a long way,” Irving said on the final day of mini-camp. “We know when [we’re] both out there, we have a high role on this team so we’re going to do that at a high level. That’s just a guy that’s always been the same. Since I got here, he was always there for me. [We’re] always talking to each other about what we see out there on the field and just coaching each other up.
“I mean, in this profession you always have to have somebody that has your back. Like I said, in that room, we’re tight. We don’t let all the outside noise interfere with how our relationship is. Just going out there knowing somebody has your back, we’re going to compete for one another each time that we step out there on the field. It’s a blessing to have somebody like that.”
It will be interesting to see how things unfold this season.
Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
After leading the way with 207 carries last year, Irving is primed to see the majority of touches. White remains an integral part of the operation, as he had 144 carries and has the reputation of being one of the top receiving backs around. Much has been said about the depth at wide receiver, but the running back room is just as deep.
An argument can be made that Tucker is the best third string back in the league. After getting 50 carries himself in 2024, Josh Grizzard will have to find ways to involve someone who averaged 6.2 yards per carry and marched all over the Saints.
When asked about how he views the partnership, White is glad to have Irving by his side as through it all, they make each other better.
“Our relationship speaks for itself,” White said. “Bucky has done a great job. Our relationship, we don’t go off of who gets more reps and things like that, we’re both trying to help each other out. That’s what it’s about, we’re both trying to push each other. How I go in is the mindset is just keep competing, keep making him better and he’s making me better. As long as we’re both being great and being better, it’s going to make our team better.”
Bucs Running Back Room Among The NFL’s Best
Not only is the Bucs’ passing attack among the best in the NFL, but so is the running back room. With the triumvirate of Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker, it is hard to argue that many teams have it better. Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman recently ranked the room sixth.
Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Bucky Irving’s outstanding rookie season boosts the Buccaneers well into the top 10 on this list. He finished fourth among all running backs with a 90.8 PFF overall grade and was the only player in the NFL to record 90.0-plus PFF grades as a rusher and receiver.
Rachaad White’s 73.8 PFF overall grade is evidence that he is more than capable of playing a complementary role. Even third-stringer Sean Tucker got in on the action last season, earning an 80.0 mark and racking up 237 total yards, including kick returns, against New Orleans in Week 6.
Other teams are buoyed by having an elite running back.
The Derrick Henry’s and Saquon Barkley’s of the world.
According to Wasserman, when looking at the best running back duos, Irving and White slot in just behind the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Still, rankings do not account for chemistry.
If it has not been made clear already, this team is as close and tight-knit as any, including the backfield. Whoever is toting the rock, the other will be on the sidelines cheering them on.