Is Bucs RB Rachaad White Another Deebo Samuel?

CBS Sports activities draft professional Chris Trapasso ranked the High 5 rookie operating backs when it comes to anticipated manufacturing this season. It shouldn’t come as a lot of a shock that Bucs operating again Rachaad White made the record. White, who was Tampa Bay’s third-round decide, was the fourth operating again chosen within the 2022 NFL Draft.

White got here in at No. 2 on the record behind Jets operating again Breece Corridor, the primary rusher chosen. And White was forward of Isaiah Spiller (Chargers), Dameon Pierce (Texans) and James Prepare dinner (Payments). But it’s attention-grabbing to notice that White gained’t be a beginning operating again in Tampa Bay the way in which Corridor can be in New York or Pierce can be in Houston. The Bucs simply signed Leonard Fournette to a three-year deal price $7 million per season.

However what was attention-grabbing about Trapasso’s commentary on White was how in contrast him to San Francisco vast receiver Deebo Samuel. White in contrast favorably athletically with the 49ers Professional Bowl wideout.

Sure, Playoff Lenny stays on the Buccaneers roster, however hold tabs on White as the subsequent marquee contributor out of the backfield in a Tom Brady offense. Why’s that? Two causes. White’s a extremely succesful athletic specimen and he was born to be an asset within the cross recreation. Because the bell cow in Arizona State’s offense final season, White averaged 5.5 yards per keep on 182 rushes caught 43 passes at a beefy 10.6 yards-per-grab common. And he solely had three drops. In brief, White thrives in house – which isn’t Fournette’s forte. 

Based mostly on his dimension and athleticism, White’s measurements and mix exercise was 94.2% just like Deebo Samuel when he entered the league in 2019. And White has a comparable pinball type with the ball in his fingers. Plus, he’s taking part in in one of many league’s most dynamic offenses with an elite offensive line.

Samuel (6-0, 215) was a twin menace on offense final yr in San Francisco. He caught a career-high 77 passes for 1,405 (18.2 avg.) with six touchdowns final yr. Samuel additionally had 59 carries for 365 yards speeding (6.2 avg.) and eight touchdowns.