Bucky Irving 2024 NFL Draft projection: How high could Oregon Ducks RB go?

Bucky Irving’s draft stock improved when he transferred from the University of Minnesota to the University of Oregon after his first year of college football. In two seasons with the Ducks, he finished with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and collected 16 total touchdowns.

After earning Second Team All-Pac-12 honors last year, the Chicago native declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, despite his solid stats and performances, his draft fortunes hung in the balance, adding an element of uncertainty and anticipation.

Here’s a projection of where he might land on the draft board:

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Bucky Irving 2024 NFL Draft Projection

As published on the NFL’s official website on April 18, former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked Bucky Irving seventh among the running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Aside from his mobility and speed, his reliability as a pass catcher earned him that high ranking.

However, with NFL teams having several positions of need and the running back position devalued over the recent seasons, Irving might hear his name as a draft pick on Day 3. NFL.com’s draft analyst, Lance Zierlein, predicts he will get drafted in the fifth round.

However, an NFL team might value him higher, making him sneak into the end of the fourth round. He would be a fantastic draft steal if he translates his college game to the NFL. But of all the teams in the draft, here are the ones that make the most sense for Irving.

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Three best landing spots for Bucky Irving

The five-foot-10, 195-pound running back could thrive with a team that sorely needs improvements in their backfield depth chart. Therefore, here are the teams that could unlock Irving’s full potential.

1) Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys allowed Tony Pollard to sign with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and free agent acquisition Royce Freeman will try to fill the massive void in Dallas’ running game that Pollard left.

Bucky Irving could serve the Cowboys, bolstering a roster that's still a playoff contender despite their relative inactivity during the first wave of free agency. His pass-catching ability can relieve tight coverages on CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

2) Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ rushing attack can turn from bad to worst. They ended the season 31st in rushing yards per game (89.8) and lost Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. His departure leaves Cincinnati with Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans and Zack Moss as running backs.

Joe Burrow’s impending return will restore the Bengals’ status as a legitimate playoff contender. However, they will need more backfield options to avoid having a one-dimensional offense. Bucky Irving could boost Cincinnati’s run game, helping them compete against their AFC North division rivals, which boasts elite defensive frontlines.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Only the Buccaneers finished worse than the Bengals in rushing yards per game (88.8) last season. Despite winning a playoff game in 2023, Tampa Bay can improve their Super Bowl chances by adding Bucky Irving to their roster.

While their NFC South opponents made roster improvements, Irving could be a difference-maker for the two-time Super Bowl champions. After all, the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers finished 20th, 22nd and 23rd in rushing yards allowed per game last year, respectively.