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Bucky Irving Dynasty Value

By Kevin English | Updated on Tue, 16 Apr 2024 . 10:50 AM EDT

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Irving tallied two straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Oregon. 

He showed efficiency with 6.3 and 6.8 yards per carry. And he wasn’t overworked -- averaging 13.7 carries per game.

So, there’s no concern on the production front.

But how should you factor in Irving's 195-pound frame? And how should you react to his awful NFL Combine?

Let's explore those questions -- and more -- below.

Bucky Irving Dynasty Values

To see Bucky Irving's value for your exact league setup, visit our Dynasty Draft War Room.

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Bucky Irving Draft Profile

Bucky Irving Combine Results

*Irving passed on agility drills but boosted his vertical by two inches at Oregon's pro day.

Percentiles vs Combine RBs since 1999, per MockDraftable

Bucky Irving College Stats

Quick Stop

Irving committed to Minnesota over a host of other programs. The Illinois native made an instant impact, leading Minnesota in all-purpose yards as a true freshman. 

However, Irving’s stay in the Midwest was short. He transferred to Oregon ahead of the 2022 season.

Why?

“It wasn’t really about their [Minnesota's] coaches," Irving told 247Sports. "Everybody over there was great. It’s a great program. It was just being able to showcase the different things I can do in a different offense."

He’d do just that.

2022 Breakout

Irving earned Oregon’s lead-back role over the summer. 

He played ahead of redshirt sophomore Noah Whittington, a transfer from Western Kentucky.

Despite his small stature, Irving established himself as a power back with 4.36 yards after contact per attempt. He also ranked top-15 nationally in yards per carry (6.8) and missed tackles forced (67).

Push aside the ugly 11.8% drop rate, and you’ll discover his pass-catching chops. Irving tallied nearly 10 yards per catch and 9.6 yards after catch per reception.

Ultimately, Oregon delivered the creative usage that Irving sought. He spent 35% of his passing snaps out wide or in the slot.

More of the Same in 2023

Irving’s play remained eye-opening as a junior.

Just look at the raw numbers. He set career highs in carries (186), yards (1,180), TDs (11), and receptions (55). In fact, Irving led all FBS RBs in receptions.

And check out the advanced metrics. Per StatsBomb, Irving finished near the top of the class in:

• Broken tackle percentage (48.6%)
• Success rate (60%)
• EPA per rush (0.23)

He led the country in Pro Football Focus’ elusive rating (149.2).

Backfield Shakeup

Irving’s workload might have jumped due to an injured teammate. Noah Whittington, who averaged 10.6 carries per game in 2022, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4.

Sophomore Jordan James stepped in to see 7.9 carries per game from Week 5 on.

Nevertheless, Irving thrived last fall. And despite the career-high workload – and a minor November ankle sprain – he appeared in every game for the second straight season.

Bucky Irving Highlights

Games watched: Cal (2023), Oregon State (2023), Washington (2023), Washington State (2023), USC (2023)

Irving’s film shows the complete package. Let’s begin with a surprising strength…

Power of a Goal-Line Back

He's 5’9, 195 pounds. It’s fair to wonder whether Irving’s power will surface in the NFL.

But he excelled through contact in college.

In this first clip, Irving quickly builds up speed before plowing a defender to gain extra yards.

His 4.36 yards after contact per attempt in 2023 ranked seventh among 73 RBs with 150+ carries.

Sweet Feet

Irving’s active feet look like a slalom skier in action. On this next run against Washington State, he also shows patience before finishing with more power.

Oregon’s O-line generally performed well. It ranked top-30 nationally in PFF’s rankings in 2022 and 2023.

Irving’s vision helped him overcome rare mishaps. We see that in this TD run against Washington, where his quick-cutting ability and burst help him avoid danger.

Average Long Speed?

On 475 career carries, Irving’s long went for 43 yards. That’s shown below.

It’s not a big number – and it’s not too surprising when you consider his Combine performance (64th percentile 40 time among RBs).

Still, this long TD run against Washington State shows how dangerous he can be in space.

Pass-Game Asset

You can point to Irving’s size as a limiting factor in protection.

He’s undeniably strong as a pass-catcher, though. (This final clip shows him on a swing pass. But the rest of the film shows a menu of routes.)

Here, he shakes three or four defenders while doing his best Alvin Kamara impersonation for a nice pickup vs. Utah:

Dynasty Value Conclusion

Look no further than Irving to find one of the toughest evaluations in the 2024 class.

On tape, he’s undeniably impressive. He’s a three-year producer with quick feet, sneaky power, and pass-catching talent.

But there’s no doubt his stock dipped pre-draft.

He failed the NFL Combine with a 2.25 Relative Athletic Score. He didn’t quiet any athletic concerns at Oregon’s pro day, either.

Size Concern?

Irving’s size (5’9, 195) is far from ideal.

Just don’t call it a disqualifier. 

A 195-pound back can certainly provide fantasy value. Consider RB1s like Kyren Williams, James Cook, and Jahmyr Gibbs from 2023 – each listed at or below 200 pounds.

Unlike Cook and Gibbs, Irving won’t get drafted in a range that guarantees a role. But on pure talent alone, Irving’s capable of earning a committee role before 2025.

We’ll see if the league agrees.

Bucky Irving Team Fit: Carolina Panthers

Carolina’s RB depth hasn’t changed through the first waves of free agency.

A Chuba Hubbard-Miles Sanders duo is barely passable. So it’s fair to wonder if a new regime adds talent.

Note: Hubbard enters a contract year. Sanders’ contract allows the Panthers to move on with minimal repercussions in 2025.

Dave Canales Optimism

This first-time HC managed to get career-best play out of Baker Mayfield.

The Bucs’ successful 2023 offense extended to the backfield, where Rachaad White finished RB4 (PPR). As a whole, Tampa RBs saw a healthy 17% target share.

In the right fit, Irving should play a key role in his team’s passing game.

Carolina also invested in the O-line this offseason, adding guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis.

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