Although veteran LeGarrette Blount is listed as the starting running back and took most of the first-team reps this offseason, rookie Doug Martin, the Buccaneers’ second of two first-round picks in 2012, is definitely in the mix for the starting job in Tampa Bay.
“They are competing right now, that’s probably the best thing they can do,” said Buccaneers running back Earnest Byner. “Each guy is trying to stake a claim on what he can do to help this football team and what he can do to make us all better.”
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. “He has done some good things. He has some quickness. Doug is really smart, and eager to grab some of the concepts that we are teaching. He is excited to come out here and play for the Buccaneers.”
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