Doug Martin "as advertised" -- Sun Jun 24 5:40 pm --
First-round RB a quick study in blitz pickup | What drew the Buccaneers’ attention to the 5-foot-9, 223-pound Doug Martin is the fact that he could not only run the ball, but that he was a complete back that could also catch the ball and pass protect at Boise State. RB coach Earnest Byner said Martin’s ability to pick up the blitz is as good as advertised.
“The thing that they struggle with most of the time is pass protection and especially nickel pass protection, but I don’t think that’s going to be an issue with him,” Byner said. “Doug is really smart, and eager to grab some of the concepts that we are teaching.” (Pewter Report)
FF Today's Take: While the ability to pick up the blitz by itself is not important to fantasy owners, it is the most common barrier betweeen a young back and substantial playing time. Martin was considered by many to be this draft's second-best running back, so if he continues to display his skills in the passing game, he only needs to prove he is a better runner than LeGarrette Blount to be the Bucs' feature back. Count on that happening and for Martin to be a strong fantasy RB2 in 2012.
|  |
|
