2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Bucky Irving, RB Oregon
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving, Oregon RB. Irving, a 4-star rated prospect and the 13th-ranked running back in the 2021 class graduated from Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Illinois.
Irving joined Minnesota as a freshman and made an impressive start. He accumulated 772 yards on 141 touches and scored 4 touchdowns in 12 games. He quickly became a regular on the field and was vital to the offense. However, he felt his abilities could have been utilized more effectively, so he transferred to the University of Oregon for the 2022 season.
Irving has proven himself again by making an immediate impact in a new situation. The difference in Oregon was that it allowed Irving to showcase his talent in the passing game, and he did exceptionally well. He led Oregon in touches with 187 yards from scrimmage with 1,357 and finished second in touchdowns with 8.
In 2023, Irving returned to Oregon to chase a national championship for the team. Although the team couldn’t quite make it, Irving was a valuable asset to the program. He led Oregon in touches with 242 yards from scrimmage with 1,593 and came second in touchdowns with 13.
On December 11, 2023, Bucky Irving declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Irving is a highly fascinating running back prospect for the 2024 NFL draft. Several analysts already have him as the RB1 of the class. His skill at catching passes and agility in open spaces give him a significant advantage over the other players for fantasy football. Iving could be one of the top fantasy football backs in this draft class, if not the best.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2021 | Minnesota | Big Ten | FR | RB | 12 | 133 | 699 | 5.3 | 4 | 8 | 73 | 9.1 | 0 | 141 | 772 | 5.5 | 4 |
| *2022 | Oregon | Pac-12 | SO | 13 | 156 | 1058 | 6.8 | 5 | 31 | 299 | 9.6 | 3 | 187 | 1357 | 7.3 | 8 | |
| *2023 | Oregon | Pac-12 | JR | RB | 14 | 186 | 1180 | 6.3 | 11 | 56 | 413 | 7.4 | 2 | 242 | 1593 | 6.6 | 13 |
| Career | Overall | 475 | 2937 | 6.2 | 20 | 95 | 785 | 8.3 | 5 | 570 | 3722 | 6.5 | 25 | ||||
| Minnesota | 133 | 699 | 5.3 | 4 | 8 | 73 | 9.1 | 0 | 141 | 772 | 5.5 | 4 | |||||
| Oregon | 342 | 2238 | 6.5 | 16 | 87 | 712 | 8.2 | 5 | 429 | 2950 | 6.9 | 21 | |||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Surprisingly powerful runner, and even with his smaller frame, he always makes a defender earn a tackle.
- A nightmare in the open field, as it’s nearly impossible to bring him down one-on-one.
- Pairs vision with athleticism to set up multiple moves in space.
- Short-area quickness is the best you will see in the class.
- A good receiver that will be a plus in the passing game.
- The initial burst on plays is elite, and he moves at a different level than other players.
Weaknesses
- Size is an issue, that shows up in pass protection. Could limit his ceiling at the NFL.
- Although he has the potential to be an excellent receiver, he needs to improve his route-running skills to fully pay off the talent.
- Can be too patient behind the line of scrimmage.
- Although he is a terror with his short-area quickness, his long speed does not match that level.
- I would like to see him gain some weight to fill out at the NFL level.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 3/4
Ideal Landing Spot: Washington Commanders
Irving is a player who could fit into multiple schemes as the pass-catching, complimentary back of an offense. Landing spots such as Minnesota, New England, and Washington are all teams that come to mind that could use a player of his set of skills.
Irving has the potential to play a valuable role in an offense and has untapped potential. He is similar to James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, for reference. Additionally, may earn a more significant role in the team’s offense as the season progresses. Irving’s talent on the field is evident when he consistently makes good plays and would be an asset to any NFL offense.
Adding him to an offense led by either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels presents an exciting proposition. The quarterback and running back duo could play together for a half-decade. If Bucky Irving lands in an open backfield with the requisite draft capital, his dynasty stock will soar.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 4.125 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Irving
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Bucky Irving below.
