The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up into the first round to select the 2012 NFL Draft’s number two rated back in Doug Martin.
The Bucs already have LaGarette Blount in the fold but could not pass up the chance for a franchise running back late in the first round.
While the two should split carries pretty evenly at the start of the season, Martin is the superior player and should become the lead back in a 70/30 time-split before seasons end.
Martin is a thickly built every-down back who runs low to the ground and shows explosion out of his cuts and is someone who should be a nice sleeper in fantasy drafts this year.
Here is what others had to say about Martin:
“Under new head coach Greg Schiano, this will be a much more run-oriented offense with improved physicality, and right now, starting RB LeGarrette Blount is a one-dimensional, two-down runner with limited production in the passing game. Martin gives them a guy who can play all three downs and contribute as a receiver, and it looks like they have an excellent one-two punch in the upgraded run game. The nice thing about Martin he can stay on the field on third down.”
“There isn’t too much Martin can’t do. He’s a physical runner with good vision inside and has enough short-area quickness to make a man miss and create at the second level. He should compete right away for the No. 1 job and looks like the future starter there. NFL ceiling: Top-10 running back in the Matt Forte mold. NFL floor: “Plus” No. 2 back.”
Fantasy Analysis:
Doug Martin – Martin looks like someone who will be an RB2 by year’s end but should go in flex territory in earlier drafts. As the fantasy season draws nearer Martin will start going off the board somewhere in the top-30. Martin looks the part of the feature back and would improve the Bucs running game if they anointed him the feature back. There is a new regime in Tampa Bay which leads one to believe that they will have no loyalty to incumbent starter LaGarette Blount. Martin looks like the type of back who only injuries can derail and should settle in as a top-15 back in dynasty league formats. Martin will be on the field for third downs and unless the Bucs want their offense to be totally predictable they will give Martin a lot of work on early downs as well.
LaGarette Blount – Blount’s fantasy value takes a major hit with this selection. Blount’s value was already low as only an early-down back on a team that struggled to score points last year, but now has little to no value barring an injury to Martin. Blount will still get carries and is a must-have handcuff for Martin owners. Blount may go first in the earlier drafts but this situation is sure to correct itself as the season draws closer.
Vincent Jackson – Vincent Jackson should now find his Bucs career a little easier now that they have a formidable run game. V-Jax will still see some double coverage but with someone as dangerous as Mike Williams across from him and Doug Martin in the backfield, opposing D’s are going to loosen up the coverage, especially considering Williams was a double team target all of last year. Jackson is a WR2 with WR1 upside.
Mike Williams – Mike Williams looks primed for a bounce back season after a disappointing sophomore campaign. Williams should threaten double-digit touchdowns once again and will find life a lot easier primarily facing single coverage as opposing D’s focus on free agent acquisition Vincent Jackson. Williams looks like a WR2 with WR1 upside for the 2012 season.
Josh Freeman – Having a running back like Martin is going to make Josh Freeman’s life a lot easier. He now has another check down option and has a strong running game to support the vastly improved receiving corps. Freeman still looks like a QB2 but has legit QB1 upside with the new weapons at his disposal.
Now for some highlights:
