Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Bucky Irving

Tuesday, June 17, 8:34 PM

Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay indicates progress has been made towards a possible extension with running back Kyren Williams. Klein also noted that there has been no update on the situation with defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Williams has been hopeful of a contract for some time now, as he looks for his pay to match his production. The Notre Dame product has new backfield competition with LA's selection of rookie Jarquez Hunter (whom they traded up for). However, it's unlikely he'll lose his stranglehold on the backfield's touches, or even that Hunter will surpass second-year teammate Blake Corum. It's still in the cards that Williams doesn't receive a long-term deal, but he'll be among the best fantasy backs again this season, and well worth an early draft pick.

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.