Doug Martin was drafted in the first round to replace LeGarrette Blount as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' featured back. Most NFL observers expect Martin to be atop the depth chart sooner rather than later.
It's worth noting that sooner hasn't happened yet. With organized team activities and minicamp drawing to a close, PewterReport.com notes that Blount has taken the majority of reps with the first team all offseason. Blount has worked on the parts of his game that are most lacking: pass protection and receiving. Just like Blount said, he's the starter until told otherwise.
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"I've been working on pass protection and picking up the blitzes this offseason," Blount said. 'That's the thing I've been working on the most. I can say tha's what I've improved on the most.”
Bucs coach Greg Schiano lauded Blount's hands, although he wouldn't make any promises for what that means in the Bucs offense.
We trust game film and what happens during the regular season more than any offseason storyline. Martin was drafted for a reason. If Blount improves the weak parts of his game, Schiano will have a good problem on his hand.
But we still think it's Martin's job to lose, no matter how things look in mid-June.