2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Report: Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Posted by Andy Miley on 07/18/2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: 2012 fantasy football, dynasty fantasy football, keeper, dynasty, fantasy football, NFL rookies, rookies, Doug Martin, Bucs,

In 2010, the entire Tampa Bay offense was improving and the Bucs were winning.  Unfortunately, in 2011, many of the offensive players did not perform up to expectations, efforts waned, and leadership performed questionably.  After this massive slide, the Buccaneers are going back to basics after the failed reign of former head coach Raheem Morris.

Greg Schiano, the former head coach of Rutgers is now at the helm, and he does two things well, running the ball and keeping discipline.  Vincent Jackson, an offseason addition, will help give the passing offense a consistent threat that Mike Williams couldn't and assist as a run blocker.  Times they are a changing.

Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Height: 5' 9" Weight: 223 lbs College: Boise State

Scouting Report- Martin has a great combination of size, speed, and wiggle.  Excelling at running the ball between the tackles and out in space, is just the beginning of his talents.  I love that he gets small, makes defenders miss, takes good angles, and keeps on churning his feet.  Martin can help the Bucs on any down or distance as he has great hands and is his rookie class' best pass blocker, so he can stay on the field in passing situations.

Martin showed during the 2011 MAACO Bowl that he is a high effort kid who delivers a blow when getting tackled and always falls forward.  When I watch Martin play, I am reminded of Buffalo Bills running back, Fred Jackson, who is much taller than Martin.  Both have a slippery running and receiving style.  I would target Martin in any rookie/dynasty draft that I couldn't get Richardson.

2012 Analysis- Greg Schiano is known for getting the most out of his running backs, both the ultra-talented Ray Rice and Brian Leonard thrived under his guidance.  There will be plenty of carries to go around in Schiano 's commitment to "going back to basics".  Expect LeGarrette Blount to receive 40-50% of carries and more goal line work at the beginning of the season.  Keep in mind, Martin is the more complete and talented back, but he needs to get used to the speed and feel of the pro game.  Fellow rookie running back Michael Smith is more of a scat back and a 7th round investment so he will not be much of a factor this year.  Martin will be in the 1,000 total yard club with 7-9 touchdowns, 40+ catches in this run first offense despite splitting time with LaGarrette Blount.

Compares to: a shorter Fred Jackson