Bucky Irving Scouting Report
Bucky Irving 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Bucky Irving | RB | Oregon | Junior | 5-10, 195 lbs
Background
Initially a Minnesota Golden Gopher, Bucky Irving transferred to Oregon where he has made a name for himself. He’s played a pivotal role on one of the nation’s most prominent offenses and has emerged as a premier running back prospect. In 2 seasons as a Duck, he has rushed for 2,101 yards and has a whopping 6.6 yards per carry.
Scouting Report
Irving’s best trait is his athleticism. After finding a hole, he’s able to reach his top speed instantly and it’s tough catching him after his explosive burst. Along with this, his change of direction is a huge plus. He’s able to maintain his speed even after changing directions or stopping. However, he does have trouble decelerating. This causes him to overrun his blocks.
On the flip side, Irving has a small frame. Despite this frame, Irving seems to handle contact and physicality well. He has exceptional contact balance and is able to stay upright and maintain his speed despite opposing defenders attempting to go for a lower or arm tackle. Although this is great, you can only do so much when your 5-10 and 194 pounds. This will likely cost him any type of workhorse reps, no matter his talent, at the next level which limits his fantasy upside.
In the backfield, Irving is very talented. He does a great job at reading his blocks and finding the hole. However, he does get a bit impatient and instead of waiting for a lane to open, he overruns his blocks. When Irving does break free, he isn’t a very dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands. He does have good contact balance and is more than capable of breaking tacklers, however he isn’t very elusive and doesn’t have a bag of juke moves. He’ll fail to fake out a defender more often than not.
Perhaps the most impressive trait Irving possesses is his pad level. He keeps a low pad level which allows him to get leverage on defenders and take them for extra yardage, despite his undersized body. He’s also great at keeping his pads squared in the backfield which gives him a huge advantage. Instead of turning his pads which gives defenders an idea where the runner is about to go, he keeps his pads squared which gives him a layer of unpredictability. This gives the running back a substantial upper hand over the defender.
As for Irving’s 3rd down traits, they are lackluster and require improvement. His receiving skills are inadequate and his route tree will need to be expanded at the next level. His lack of size also limits his ability to block opposing defenders who get free from the offensive line. However, he does show a good understanding of where the extra blocker is needed.
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
With Austin Ekeler aging, regressing and expiring, it might be time for the Los Angeles Chargers to bring in a new face in the backfield. Even if the Chargers decide to keep Ekeler, Irving would be a perfect compliment as they would both hide their flaws. Ekeler has the power and 3rd down skills Irving lacks, whereas Irving has the burst and athleticism Ekeler lacks. This would also give Irving a veteran mentor that can improve his weaknesses.
Bucky Irving Dynasty Outlook
Irving will certainly be an interesting prospect fantasy wise. He has the traits that will translate to the next level and make him intriguing to draft. However, there are also legitimate concerns. His size will restraint his usage and his lackluster 3rd down skills will limit his fantasy production. All in all, Irving presents as a high floor prospect with relatively high upside. I would draft him in the late first-early second range.
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