Right now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe they have uncovered a gem in Bucky Irving. The fourth-rounder's value (125th pick, 2024 draft) has only grown since joining the team. For the Bucs, it felt like hitting the lottery, but for Irving, falling to the fourth round was a frustrating oversight.
Last season, everyone saw his response to that disrespect.
He had a breakout rookie year, rushing for 1,122 yards on 207 carries with eight touchdowns while also catching 47 passes for 392 yards.
It's not the first time a late-round pick has made waves in the NFL. The Buccaneers know this well and have benefited from such a player in the past: Tom Brady.
Bucky Irving looking like a WR on this TD 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025
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On Saturday, Buccaneers reporter Brianna Dix shared a feature on Irving, during which Bucs national scout Andy Speyer offered high praise for the running back. He says that the young star possesses a Brady-like edge in his approach to the game.
"Coming into the league, he was a fourth-round pick and that work ethic shows up," Speyer said. "The great ones, they have that. When Tom [Brady] was here, that is what we saw and Tom was a sixth-round pick but through his work ethic and determination, he was able to become probably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game."
Speyer added:
"Bucky has some of those characteristics. I am not saying that he is going to be the greatest running back of all time but he has some of those characteristics that help elevate his game."
Bucky Irving's role is set to increase in the 2025 season. With Rachaad White just returning after recovering from an injury, Irving must take on a bigger role in the backfield. Given his strong performances last season, Bucs coach Todd Bowles will not have any concerns about Irving stepping up as a leader for the team.
The feeling that many teams passed on him with their top picks will motivate Irving to prove himself again and again.