Bucky Irving entered the NFL in 2024 as a fourth-round pick with questions about his size but few doubts about his explosiveness. Now, after a solid rookie season in Tampa, the second year running back could be on the verge of a breakout. The question heading into 2025 isn’t just whether Irving will take an even bigger leap, it’s whether he can rise all the way to All-Pro consideration.
To do that, Irving needs three things: volume, efficiency, and versatility. In 2024, he played a rotational role behind Rachaad White, flashing the same elusiveness and balance that made him a standout at Oregon.
He didn’t dominate the stat sheet early on, but he made the most of his touches, especially as a receiver and open-field runner. That glimpse of dynamic ability is what has the Bucs coaching staff optimistic. If Irving wants to enter the All-Pro conversation in 2025, he’ll need to take over a larger share of the offense. That should come naturally as Irving has all but wrapped up the starting gig over White as the lead back after a dominant second half of the season, becoming the first Buccaneers 1,000 yard rusher in nearly a decade. His pass-catching chops may accelerate that shift. In today’s NFL, All-Pro backs don’t just run, they produce through the air.
Irving’s ability to line up in the slot, run angle and option routes, and create yards after the catch sets him apart.
But All-Pro recognition also demands volume. Irving would likely need upwards of 250 total touches, at least 1,500 scrimmage yards, and 10-plus touchdowns to be considered. That’s a near mirror of last season, but an uptick in scoring may help give him the edge over guys like Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, and Saquon Barkley who are all perennial contenders.
But if Irving becomes Tampa’s most efficient and explosive weapon, he could become one of the league’s biggest surprises.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: After a breakout 2024 season, what is Bucs’ Bucky Irving’s ceiling in 2025?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
