By james art 
A big number.
With apologies to Giants fifth-round pick Tyronn Tracy, Bucky Irving was the best rookie of the NFL season.
Tracy has more rushing yards but has played an extra week. Through eight games for Irving, the Bucks’ fourth-round pick has 76 carries for 395 yards and 3 rushing TDs.
Every stinkin’ Joe offseason writes and talks about how teams strike gold in the late rounds of the NFL Draft, and it was finally the Bucs’ time. Thank you Buccaneers Ring of Honor General Manager Jason Licht.
Todd Bowles gushed about Irving on his recent official team radio show.
“His vision and his stop and go. He can stop, start and return to full speed faster than most people. He sees the field. You know, it’s a gift,” Bowles said.
“This is a gift. Not everyone can do this. He sees the field. He understands what is about to happen to him. He can place his blocks well and has a good feel for it.
Irving is certainly gifted, and he caught a staggering 20 of 22 balls sent his way. But will that mean more touches? Joe thinks he can and should.
But could more work hurt Irving’s effectiveness? He has a bad finger that the Bucs handle. The team says it doesn’t affect Irving on game days, though Joe wouldn’t bet on it.
Regardless, the Bucs found a special running back in Round 4. And it’s up to the coaches to get the most out of him, even if it hurts other players’ feelings.