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Rachaad White

Summary

Rachaad White was selected in the 3rd round (91st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tankathon He played college football at Arizona State, where he had a breakout 2021 season with 1,006 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, plus 456 receiving yards on 43 catches. NFL Draft Buzz As of the 2024 NFL season, he has become an integral two‑way back, contributing both as a runner and pass-catcher. According to Pro Football Network, in 2023 he ranked among the top backs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. PFSN His PFF grade in 2024 was 74.1, showing he’s solid in both phases. PFF Known for his strong hands, good vision, physicality, and football intelligence, he’s been praised by Bucs’ GM Jason Licht as being “close to an elite receiving back.” Tampa Bay Buccaneers Off the field, he’s respected for his work ethic, patience, and steady development.

Strengths

  • Dual-Threat Capability: Excellent as both a runner and a receiver. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Pass-Catching Skills: Reliable hands out of the backfield; clean in traffic. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Vision & Patience: Shows good patience behind the line to let blocks develop and find cutback lanes. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Explosiveness / ELITE Athleticism: Despite his size, he has very good speed and burst. Last Word On Sports

  • Balance & Contact: Good balance through contact; can stay upright and break some arm tackles. NFL Draft Buzz

  • High Football IQ: Understands running lanes, pass concepts, and reading defenders. Last Word On Sports

  • Workhorse Potential: Has the build and skill set to handle a three-down role. Dynasty League Football

  • Strong Character & Commitment: Praised for his leadership, development, and steady rise despite early under-recruitment. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

  • Pass Protection: Not yet an elite pass blocker; technique can be average in blitz‑pickup. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Between-the-Tackles Physicality: Not a powerful “north‑south” back; may struggle as a pure downhill runner. Last Word On Sports

  • Explosiveness Ceiling: While quick, he’s not always a home‑run threat on every carry. Tankathon

  • Injury / Durability Risk: Given his usage and physical style, there are some concerns about long-term wear.

  • Efficiency Under Pressure: According to advanced metrics, his yards before contact are relatively low, which may point to inefficiencies. PFSN

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:
    Rachaad White is ideally suited to a multiple-look offense that leverages his versatility — particularly a scheme that uses zone runs, counters, screens, and check‑downs. He works well in offensive systems that want the running back to be a threat in both the ground game and as a reliable outlet in the passing game. His patience, vision, and route-running mean he can be used in third-down packages, in “empty” formations, or as part of 2‑back sets.

  • Outlook:
    White projects as a key three-down back for the Buccaneers (or any team that values pass-catching backs). While he may not consistently break off 70+ yard runs, his floor is very high due to his dual-threat profile. If he continues to improve his pass protection, he could become a cornerstone piece in Tampa Bay’s backfield. Over the next few years, his role could evolve: he could remain the primary back, or shift slightly to a more receiving-centric role, especially as younger backs emerge. His character, work ethic, and proven production give him strong staying power, and with the right touches, he can be one of the more valuable backs in the league.