2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bucky Irving

Prospect Summary:

Irving started out his career at Minnesota in 2021 before transferring to Oregon. The move paid off for Irving, who broke out with the Ducks in 2022 while averaging 6.8 yards per carry for 1,058 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 299 yards and another three scores. In 2023, Irving averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he brought in 56 passes for 413 yards and two scores.

Irving is a quick runner who is real threat to rip off a chunk gain anytime he touches the ball. He shows a burst and accelerates through the hole with a second gear to break into the secondary. In the open field, Irving has moves to dodge tacklers and some change-of-direction skills. Irving also has some strength to his build, letting him run through tackles and pick up yards after contact. That ability to picks up extra distance, however, will be diminished at the NFL level. Still, Irving is tough who runs hard for a smaller back.

In the passing game, Irving is a valuable contributor. His 87 total receptions over the past two seasons offers clear evidence of his talent. He is an excellent route-runner out of the backfield, and his shiftiness is very difficult to defend in the open field. Irving’s cutting ability and sudden burst create separation from linebackers, plus helps him gain yards after the catch. He is dangerous in space once he gets the ball in his hands, as he weaves through defenders via his elusiveness. As a pro, Irving should be a real weapon for the passing game on wheel routes, screens, and check downs.

Irving probably lacks the size and strength to be a three-down starter in the NFL. Perhaps he can overcome those limitation to find a way to become a starter, which definitely is possible. However, he is more likely to be a solid No. 2 back and a good contributor as a rotational runner and receiving option.

Irving looks likely to be a mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He could go as high as the third round and probably will not go lower than the fifth round.