The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backfield is all sorts of weird. With Doug Martin suspended for the first three games, it gives someone else a chance to snag the top job, and based off what we saw in 2016, Jacquizz Rodgers could be that guy.
| Bucs 2016 RBs | Rushes | Rushing NEP/Carry | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacquizz Rodgers | 129 | 0.04 | 46.51% |
| Doug Martin | 144 | -0.20 | 34.72% |
| Peyton Barber | 55 | -0.05 | 34.55% |
| Charles Sims | 51 | -0.19 | 27.45% |
Rodgers was clearly the Bucs' top back a year ago, and when we compare him to Martin, it's not even close.
It would probably be unwise of us to assume Martin will automatically regain the starting throne when he's activated, but that assumption appears to be running rampant as Martin is going as RB20 despite his three-game ban.
Of course, we haven't mentioned Charles Sims or enticing rookie Jeremy McNichols, so like we opened with, things are straight weird in Tampa Bay's backfield.
The reports on Martin this summer have been good, but even if he's back to the Good Doug Martin -- a version which went missing in 2016 -- Rodgers should see meaningful volume early on. That alone makes him a worthwhile late-round pick (he's currently RB49).
On top of that, if Martin doesn't regain his 2015 form, Rodgers could lead this backfield in touches this season, and in the five games in which he saw at least 15 carries a year ago, Quizz averaged 92.4 rushing yards per outing.