Bucky Irving is officially the toughest player to tackle in the NFL – Autzen Zoo

The NFL is finally realizing something Oregon fans knew all along: Bucky Irving is elite.

The rookie is playing some of the best football of his young career and has become the best first-year player at the position in the league.

Not only is Irving the best rookie running back in the league right now, but he’s doing all of this while splitting the car with Rachaad White. Oh, and he leads the league in a really impressive category: forced fumbles/.

That’s right, Irving is officially the toughest player in the NFL right now.

Just eight games into his NFL career and he’s already making waves. Irving is top 30 in the league in rushing yards with 395 and his 5.2 yards per carry average is among the league’s best running backs.

Not only does he throw the ball efficiently, but he also has 20 receptions for another 164 yards. On the year, he accounted for 559 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Those kind of numbers are insane for an eight-game rookie, and the fact that he has a 44.7% forced rebound rate is also impressive. This kid is good.

Right now, Tampa Bay might have the best room in the NFL outside of Detroit with Irving leading the way along with White and Sean Tucker. That trio has been effective this season.

We’ll check back at the end of the year to see if Irving can surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark and maintain his spot atop the tackles category.