The Facts: Perhaps no veteran player has done more to improve his standing during offseason workouts than Martin. A candidate to be released after struggling last year and being suspended at the end of the season for violating the NFL's drug policy, Martin has earned nothing but praise this offseason after he spent time in rehab. GM Jason Licht's assessment of Martin's on-field improvement was glowing on Thursday: "[Martin] looks lean, he looks like he's finishing his runs -- obviously, there is no contact in the spring -- but it looks like he's finishing his runs. He looks like he's got that burst. He looks like he's got that burst. He looks like the Doug Martin of 2015," Licht told NFL Network.
Diehards Line:
As NFL.com's Kevin Patra notes, the report from Licht meshes with everything we've been hearing from beat reporters during minicamp about Martin looking quicker and fresher than last season. Patra went on to suggest that if the Bucs do indeed get 2015 Martin -- who rushed for 1,402 yards -- the offense surrounding Jameis Winston will be among the most dynamic and diverse in the NFL. Tampa owns the receivers in Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and rookie Chris Godwin to overwhelm defensive backfields. The tight end duo of Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard should eat over the middle and in the red zone. If Martin is back in form, it will keep the Bucs in good down and distance, making Winston's pass attack more potent. Just remember: It's June and Martin suspended the first three weeks of the season. View him a s potential value play if the price is right.