Doug Martin had a strong rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then basically slipped off the map over the next two years. But it's a new year, new quarterback, and new Martin, at least based on early reports from Bucs OTAs.
The Tampa Tribune says Martin has "had his best offseason in three years", and is ready to reclaim the leading role in the backfield. Maybe the Bucs hope Charles Sims claims that job, but he'll need to actually do it in training camp.
In the Tribune's view, the Bucs are best off with Martin in the lead role, Sims as the third-down, pass-catching back, and Bobby Rainey backing up both players. If it does shake out that way, Martin will probably be undervalued in most drafts, while Sims will be selected too high.
Martin, of course, burned a lot of fantasy teams a year ago, being drafted as early as the second round and having an awful season. And the current regime used a third-round pick on Sims, so he'll be given every opportunity to win that starting job.
But Sims' 66 carries went for just 185 yards last year (2.8 per attempt). That's not going to cut it, and Martin, despite a terrible year, was up at 3.7. It's far from certain that Sims will be the guy.
In any case, it's a backfield battle to watch in the preseason. One of those guys should be the lead dog in an offense that could be plenty intriguing with Jameis Winston running it.
--Andy Richardson