2013 Fantasy Football: Is Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin a Top-Five RB?


(Kevin Liles/USA Today Sports)

One of the biggest surprises from fantasy football this past season was the emergence of Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Doug Martin as the former first-round pick was arguably the biggest steal for owners in drafts this past season after recording 1,926 yards from the line of scrimmage to go along with 12 touchdowns. With these types of numbers, there’s a good chance fantasy owners will be eying Martin in the first round of drafts next season–which nobody could have predicted at the begininning of last season.

If anything, Martin was expected to share carries with LeGarrette Blount during the 2012 season, but the rookie ended up being the go-to guy from Week 1 and received a majority of the carries for the rest of the season. In fact, there was even a game in November against the Oakland Raiders in which Martin rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns–which was a clear sign that he was the real deal and had the potential to be one of the best in the league.

It’s still early on and the NFL has seen numerous rookies struggle during their sophomore season, but Martin has set the bar high for himself heading into 2013 from a fantasy football perspective as most leagues will see him go in the first round. Martin’s size and speed makes it difficult for any defender to contain and if 2012 is any indication of what to expect down the road–the Buccaneers may end up with one of the biggest steals from the 2012 NFL Draft in their beloved running back if he continues to display these types of numbers.

“Like” Dan Parzych on Facebook

Be sure to follow Dan on Twitter @DanParzych

 

Hottest Women in SI Swimsuit History
Who Are the Biggest NFL Hall of Fame Snubs of All Time?
Check Out the Best NFL Quarterbacks Heading Into the 2013 Season


2013 NFL Draft

Jarvis Jones-UGA 2013 NFL Mock Draft Through October
MantiTe'o 2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 5 Players at Every Major Position
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports Every NFL Team’s Biggest Need in the 2013 NFL Draft

We Recommend

Rant NFL

Around the Web