Role Player: Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving, RB, Oregon

First Round Mock’s William Yanish studied Oregon running back Bucky Irving and put a mid-round grade on him.

Running back (RB) can be an extremely fun position to evaluate. The physicality and athleticism that goes into it are intense. At the end of every play, a RB is either out of breath or on the ground.

There is a lack of recognition for this position in today’s game and a lack of compensation.

One big contract is what a RB plays his entire career for. Once they hit the age of 30, one-year contracts seem to be the norm.

The first couple of years in the league are just the most important for their development.

The NFL is always hiring though. Only superstars need to apply.

The PAC-12 has been explosive in offense the last few years. It has been about the passing game and the superstar quarterbacks (QB) putting on a show.

However, there’s a running back too…and his name is Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving.

Background

Irving (5-foot-9, 192 pounds) has churned out 1,000+ yard seasons in the past two years at Oregon.

During this past season alone, he put up five 100+ yard rushing games.

• Portland State: 4 carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns
• Washington: 22 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown
• Washington State: 15 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns
• USC: 19 carries for 118 yards and one touchdown
• Liberty: 14 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown

What do those five games have in common?

They say ‘explosive.’

Irving also showed some dual-role capability as a pass catcher out of the backfield as well. On the season, he caught 56 passes for 413 yards and two touchdowns.

Let’s further investigate.

The Yanish Report

Slender, compact build. Sneaky, deliberate footwork. Runs with some get up and go. Plays bigger than he is, and rarely goes down on first contact. Can make himself THIN to fit through lanes. Legs churn running. Got some shake and bake. Runs tight, crisper routes. Effective in passing situations. Good hands. Sells that play action (PA). Splits out wide easily. Does get involved in pass protection. Good vision. Can flat-out scoot. Takes what he can get. Role player. Electric.

For the win

The fact of the matter is that there are just not too many true RBs anymore. The position has become an “on-call” role, and he had better perform when asked.

Irving is one of those guys who can carve out a niche in an NFL offense and make others around him better. This is a fairly straightforward evaluation.

Here’s the thing…

There isn’t much question about his ability. He can do things a role player can do when called upon. He can run and he can catch. This Oregon RB isn’t the fastest, but he does have that coveted short area burst and a brand of physicality that makes him who he is.

Every time he makes contact, there’s a pop.

Irving can play at a high level. Will he be a superstar? No.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he put his stamp on his game to separate himself from the crowd?

2. Will he avoid injuries in the NFL with his slight frame?

3. Does he need playmakers around him to succeed?

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: Fourth-Round

2022 Game film evidence Memphis (Jersey No. 0)

BYU

UCLA

Washington

2023 Game film evidence Memphis (Jersey No. 0)

Colorado

Washington

Utah

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.