RB #7 Bucky Irving TB

Among the 2025 RB ones (1 – 12), one is the most polarizing. That is Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He can be the second running back off the board in some formats. Yet he has a consensus ADP as high as 25th overall on some platforms. For Mano y Mano, a 0.5 PPR scoring based ranking, he comes in as RB #7. He burst onto the scene last season, and has been highly praised since being drafted last season. He is the starting running back for 2025 and his numbers should go up across the board.

Last year he earned 1,514 scrimmage yards, 47 receptions, 8 touchdowns despite only starting 3 games. He totaled just 589 snaps and 41 of those were on kick return. 480 snaps were in the backfield and that number should increase exponentially. Although he will split the backfield with Rachaad White, Irving is the best back. Irving’s ADP is currently RB #9 and twentieth overall. He has an opportunity to be RB #1 this season with one of the highest ceilings at the position.

LB #7 Nick Bolton KC

Nick Bolton has been a force since he arrived in the NFL in 2021. He has 100 or more combined tackles in every year he has played at least nine games. However, last year he had his lowest tackle total in a 16+ game season. Yet set career highs in other statistics. Quarterback hits (7), passes defended (6), sacks (3.0), fumble recoveries (2) were all single season best.

Bolton is more than a read and react linebacker, he is capable of rushing the passer and playing coverage. He is heading into his fifth season as the unquestioned best linebacker on the Kansas City Chiefs. He wears the all important “green dot”, a common theme in the top ten. He has proven an ability to play all three aspects of the defense, and is a top ten linebacker. Draft him and know you have a set and forget position covered.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #6. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy