CBS Sports names 'sleeper rookie' who could play a key role for Buccaneers in 2022
CBS Sports believes there's a "sleeper rookie" who could earn a key role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. Chris Trapasso, a draft analyst for CBS Sports, suggested this week that Rachaad White, the No. 91 overall pick by the Buccaneers (third round), could be a "favorite" of Tom Brady by late in the […]
CBS Sports believes there's a "sleeper rookie" who could earn a key role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
Chris Trapasso, a draft analyst for CBS Sports, suggested this week that Rachaad White, the No. 91 overall pick by the Buccaneers (third round), could be a "favorite" of Tom Brady by late in the season.
There's minimal competition for White as Leonard Fournette's backup in Tampa Bay, and Tom Brady loves cycling through backs, especially those who are competent pass-rushers. And that's precisely an area of strength for White. At Arizona State, he hauled in 43 receptions for 456 yards in 2021.
At a thick 6-0 and 214 pounds, White is a smooth mover on the field, too, leading to quality elusiveness between the tackles. He'll be a Brady favorite by November.
White rushed for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior at Arizona State last season. He also caught 43 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown.
I know Trapasso mentioned that White could serve as Leonard Fournette's backup, but it's plausible that White could end up at No. 1 on the Bucs' running back depth chart by late in the season.
Leonard Fournette, the incumbent starting running back, reported to minicamp this week looking "thick" and he was "laboring" through drills (Fournette said he's currently at 240 lbs and plans to be around 228 lbs for the 2022 season).
This could end up being an interesting running back battle this summer. But the good news for the Buccaneers is that it sounds like they have some good options to tote the rock in 2022.
Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
