Analysts question high fantasy draft position for Buccaneers back Bucky Irving
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 3:06 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving faces scrutiny regarding his draft position for the 2026 NFL season. While Irving recorded over 1,100 rushing yards and 40 catches as a rookie, his role declined during a second season hampered by foot and shoulder injuries. Current mock draft data places him in the 5th round with an average draft position of 45. However, some analysts view this valuation as aggressive, suggesting a target range in the 70s for flex-position usage. The addition of Kenneth Gainwell to the Tampa Bay roster creates competition for receiving targets out of the backfield, potentially limiting Irving's total touches. Analysts suggest managers should monitor his health and workload before committing high draft capital to the back.
- •Bucky Irving enters the 2026 season following a second year impacted by shoulder and foot injuries.
- •The running back's current average draft position sits at 45 in mock draft simulations.
- •Experts suggest targeting the player in the 70s due to concerns over backfield competition.
- •The Buccaneers added Kenneth Gainwell to the roster, which may reduce Irving's passing game opportunities.
- 3:06 PMYahoo Sports — Bucky Irving Fantasy Prediction 2026: An ADP of 45 Is Too Rich, Wait for the 70s
"Bucky Irving enters the 2026 season seeking to replicate his rookie successes and forget last year. Over the past decade, he is one of only four running backs to record at least 1,100 rushing yards and 40 catches in a rookie season, and if we get anything close to that version of him now that he’s healthy, his ADP is going to be off by multiple rounds.
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