Doug Martin went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 31st pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, giving Boise State two first rounders for the first time in school history. Previously, Boise State had recorded two first round picks total.
Martin will pair with former Oregon Duck LeGarrette Blount in the Tampa Bay backfield. Why would the Bucs take Martin if they already have a quality starter? Martin can do things that Blount cannot, things like catch the ball out of the backfield, block and pass protect, return kicks, and not fumble. Martin is a complete back. Blount is a running back. And with NFL teams using two-back offenses with regularity, the Bucs will find plenty of ways to use both.
Interesting enough, new Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano used to be the coach at Rutgers where Ray Rice used to play running back, and Rice was the NFL player that most draftniks used in comparison with Doug Martin. OK, so maybe that's just interesting to me.
Your turn
What do you think about Doug Martin going to the Bucs? How do you feel about him sharing a backfield with Blount? Share your thoughts in the comments.