Is Buccaneers' Rachaad White a Top 20 RB?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one of the worst rushing attacks in football last season, and with Rachaad White leading the way, there is hope that things will improve in 2024 .

With Graham Barton drafted to fortify the offensive line and Bucky Irving drafted to give the run game a nice change-up from White, things have been moving in a positive direction this offseason.

But when ranking all 32 starting running backs, where does White land? For former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, White comes in at No. 16.

"The Bucs averaged just 88.8 rush yards per game last season (dead last in the NFL) and are hoping to get more out of White, Chase Edmonds and fourth-round rookie Bucky Irving," Jones-Drew wrote . "Despite falling just short of 1,000 yards on the ground, White's pass-catching ability made him a big asset in Baker Mayfield's revival. With new faces on the interior offensive line (free-agent signee Ben Bredeson and first-round pick Graham Barton), I expect White's production to improve between the tackles."

With White totaling 1,539 yards from scrimmage in 2023, along with nine combined touchdowns, his value to the Buccaneers offense isn't just on the ground - he's a potent weapon in the passing game.

In fact, he was the Buccaneers' third-best "receiver" last year, behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Related: Bucs Graham Barton Highest Graded Offensive Rookie

If the Buccaneers are to improve on what they accomplished in 2023, White will need to improve on both his rushing and receiving numbers to give Baker Mayfield another outlet to go with the football.

If he can surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark and become a more effective passing weapon, he'll be higher than No. 16 in Jones-Drew's running back rankings next year.