CBS Sports draft expert Chris Trapasso ranked the Top 5 rookie running backs in terms of expected production this season. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Bucs running back Rachaad White made the list. White, who was Tampa Bay’s third-round pick, was the fourth running back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

White came in at No. 2 on the list behind Jets running back Breece Hall, the first rusher selected. And White was ahead of Isaiah Spiller (Chargers), Dameon Pierce (Texans) and James Cook (Bills). Yet it’s interesting to note that White won’t be a starting running back in Tampa Bay the way Hall will be in New York or Pierce will be in Houston. The Bucs just signed Leonard Fournette to a three-year deal worth $7 million per season.

But what was interesting about Trapasso’s commentary on White was how compared him to San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel. White compared favorably athletically with the 49ers Pro Bowl wideout.

Yes, Playoff Lenny remains on the Buccaneers roster, but keep tabs on White as the next marquee contributor out of the backfield in a Tom Brady offense. Why’s that? Two reasons. White’s a highly capable athletic specimen and he was born to be an asset in the pass game. As the bell cow in Arizona State’s offense last season, White averaged 5.5 yards per carry on 182 rushes caught 43 passes at a beefy 10.6 yards-per-grab average. And he only had three drops. In short, White thrives in space – which is not Fournette’s forte. 

Based on his size and athleticism, White’s measurements and combine workout was 94.2% similar to Deebo Samuel when he entered the league in 2019. And White has a comparable pinball style with the ball in his hands. Plus, he’s playing in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses with an elite offensive line.

Samuel (6-0, 215) was a dual threat on offense last year in San Francisco. He caught a career-high 77 passes for 1,405 (18.2 avg.) with six touchdowns last year. Samuel also had 59 carries for 365 yards rushing (6.2 avg.) and eight touchdowns.