Joel Klatt evaluates what separates Oregon RB Bucky Irving as a NFL Draft prospect

With each day that passes, the 2024 NFL Draft grows nearer. Last week, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt raved about Oregon running back Bucky Irving’s draft potential.

“Bucky is a hell of a player,” Klatt said. “I know he traveled a little bit of a longer road and began his career at Minnesota, but then he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, First Team All-Pac-12 This last season.”

As Klatt mentioned, Irving began his career in Minnesota, where he exploded for a team-high 966 all-purpose yards as a true freshman. When Irving entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for blue chip programs to ring his line.

Oregon landed the standout running back. In two seasons with the Ducks, Irving amassed 2,238 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Irving’s game wasn’t limited to the ground, either.

Joel Klatt praises Bucky Irving’s pass-catching abilities

The human locomotive was a legitimate route runner, hauling in 87 receptions for 712 yards and five touchdowns during his time at Oregon. Klatt believes rare pass-catching abilities separate from his fellow running backs in the 2024 draft class.

“I think this his best trait is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield,” Klatt said. “Now, he’s a great runner. By the way, all these guys are. You’re not going to be in the top five running backs in the draft unless you can run the football, so they can all run the football.

“You need things that separate you. And while he’s not a huge guy, he led all FBS running backs with 56 receptions in 2023. Look at the NFL right now. Why is Bijan [Robinson] so good? Why is Jahmyr Gibbs so good? Because they can be threats out of the backfield.”

Klatt listed Irving as the No. 4 running back available in the 2024 NFL Draft. Klatt’s only concern for Irving’s NFL potential was his size. Standing at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Irving doesn’t boast the same size as some of his competitors. Nonetheless, Klatt has no doubt the Oregon RB can make a splash in the right environment.

It won’t be long before Irving knows exactly where his next environment will be. The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.