New York Jets Draft Profile: Oregon Running Back Bucky Irving

Former Oregon running back Bucky Irving might be on the New York Jets' radar for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving (0) / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets are going all in for 2024. 

Just hours removed from acquiring All Pro linebacker Haason Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles, Gang Green is turning its attention to the upcoming NFL Draft to address the few voids they have yet to fill this offseason. 

Though the collective eyes of the fan base will be focused on adding pass-catchers to make life a bit easier for starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets may be wise to seek some help for feature running back Breece Hall. 

New York may find both in Oregon’s dual-threat rushing prospect Bucky Irving. 

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving (0) scores a touchdown / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Irving was a versatile, yet formidable force in the Ducks’ backfield last season. He finished 2023 averaging 6.3 yards per carry for 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns. Irving also proved to be a more-than-capable backfield receiver, earning 56 catches for 413 yards and two touchdowns. He was also equally as impressive in 2022, when he averaged 6.8 yards per carry for 1,058 yards and five touchdowns. Once again, Irving held a notable role as an outlet pass-catcher, logging 31 catches for 299 yards and three touchdowns.

At his best, Irving is a solid, complementary runner, possessing enough body control to be shifty, along with the quickness to reach the second level of the defense. Still, at 5-9, 192 pounds, he lacks the prototypical size of a secondary rusher and third-down back. Still, his skill set should make him a sought-after commodity in the middle rounds of April’s draft. 

Despite Hall’s presence, New York is entering 2024 a bit thin at the position — especially when it comes to deploying a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Unsurprisingly, Hall led the way in the category last season by catching 76 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns. The production dropped significantly thereafter, with Dalvin Cook (who was released in December) catching 15 throws for 78 yards and Michael Carter [released in November] who also earned 15 receptions for 68 yards. Neither Cook, nor Carter logged a receiving touchdown. 

Behind Hall, the Jets currently employ Israel Abanikanda, Xazavian Valladay and Jacques Patrick on their running back depth chart.