Running Back 20 – Rachaad White TB
Rachaad White is a bit of an anomaly and mystery heading into the 2023 season. He had good numbers as a rookie, and even started eight games. He finished with 771 scrimmage yards, 3 touchdowns, and an outstanding 50 receptions. One would be naturally inclined to believe those numbers would go up for most running backs (RB) entering their second year. However, the dynamic changes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could leave some changed statistics for R. White. Tom Brady retired, and Dave Canales is the new Offensive Coordinator. He does benefit as being the clear RB 1, but Chase Edmunds is a versatile back that will see snaps and get touches. Coach Todd Bowles will want to play great defense and control the clock, which with a positive game script would benefit White.
If they are playing from behind, or a negative game script, C. Edmunds could see more snaps. Either way the new QB (B. Mayfield or K. Trask) may not check down as much as quick release Tom Brady. He has potential to finish higher if he is a true three down back in 2023.Draft him as low end RB2.

Linebacker 20 – Logan Wilson CIN
Logan Wilson is set for another great year, and during the off-season was paid to be the man. Wilson was paid while safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell were let go in free agency, making Wilson the unquestioned leader of the defense. He sat career marks in games played (15), games started (15), sacks (2.5), combined tackles (123), and solo tackles (83). He was asked to be a tackling machine in the run heavy AFC North, but an interesting statistic for Logan Wilson is that he has 7 career interceptions. That averages at 2.3 a year. It’s a nice bonus for a linebacker (LB) that occurs most of his points from tackling.
The Bengals have been one of the NFL’s best teams across the past two seasons, and Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo is a big reason why. He has had consistency from his veterans and will utilize his strong front seven again. Look for Wilson to eclipse his tackles numbers from last year, and could see more coverage calls to help the new safeties in the defense. The Wyoming product may have been paid with a handsome contract, but it won’t change how he attacks the game, draft Wilson and have a solid LB 2 with a high floor.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #19.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.