Bucs rookie RB Bucky Irving leaning on veterans as he learns new offense
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 01: Running back Bucky Irving #0 of the Oregon Ducks rushes the football during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Ducks defeated the Flames 45-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added more firepower to their offensive backfield in the 2024 NFL draft, spending their fourth-round pick on Oregon running back Bucky Irving.
The former Duck is hitting the ground running, doing everything he can to soak up valuable knowledge from his more experienced teammates as he learns Liam Coen's offense.
“There’s always room for improvement [and] room to learn," Irving said during last week's mandatory minicamp. "I’m just leaning on these older guys to learn from them – Rachaad White, Chase [Edmonds] and [those] guys have been great leaders for me, helping me with the playbook and helping me with things I need to know. I’ve been leaning on those guys. I’m going to fit in wherever the coaches need me to play – I [don’t] really necessarily have [a] role yet. I’m going to go with the flow until my number is called.”
Tampa Bay's ground game has struggled over the past few years, and while offseason additions to the offensive line should make a big impact, it won't hurt to have another big-play back behind them in Irving.
Related
Bucs' updated 53-man roster projections for 2024
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs rookie RB Bucky Irving leaning on veterans as he learns new offense