Buccaneers Beat: Team views RB Bucky Irving as high-volume RB1

The running back group has been an interesting one to monitor. Javonte Williams entered camp as the probable No. 1 guy. Miles Sanders then started to stand out a little more. With those two being the veterans, they could get the bulk of the touches early in the season. But lately, Jaydon Blue has been standing out more and more.

The story added Blue has been getting some first-team reps, and added when given the opportunity, he’s been taking care of the football, showcasing his speed, athleticism and quality hands. Each day that goes by, Blue appears to be getting more comfortable with the offense and speed of the NFL game, the story went on to say. The scouting report on Blue before and after the draft has been mixed. But, it's hard to imagine Williams and Sanders dominating this backfield all season, so with Blue standing out, it's very possible he starts to get a bigger role as the season goes on. Blue can be had later in drafts and may be a potential sleeper for your roster.

Back in 2023, the Ravens' run game got a jolt from a speedy 21-year-old running back named Keaton Mitchell, who ran for 396 yards and averaged 8.4 yards per carry in a six-game stretch before tearing his ACL in a December game in Jacksonville. Mitchell made it back from the injury to play in five games last season but never looked like himself.

This summer, he appears to have his speed back, and the Ravens are excited about it. Derrick Henry will be the primary ball carrier, of course, but Mitchell adds a different element to this run game. Expect him to have a role in the offense.

Related players: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill

Mitchell exploded on to the scene a couple of years ago with all kinds of big plays. This summer, his highlights can be found all over X especially from recent days. We all know Henry is going to get a bulk of the run-game work for the Ravens, but last year Hill played a key role in the offense, and it's possible Mitchell takes over that role. You can likely get Mitchell very late in drafts if you want to take a chance.

A looming issue at Vikings camp is Jordan Addison's availability to start the season. My sense after asking around is the Vikings are bracing for roughly a three-game suspension for Addison, who in July pleaded no contest to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. The team's projection is based in part on the league's recent precedent for three-game suspensions for DUI-related offenses.

Addison owners are likely already prepared too, but the good news is the story went on to say Addison is preparing to take the next step by becoming a "better all-around receiver." The Vikings' WR1 spot is unquestioned: That belongs to Justin Jefferson. But after nearly 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns through two seasons, Addison believes he has the capacity to be one in ability if not by title, the story added.