The Facts:
In the wake of the team's decision to draft an RB, Charles Sims, in the third round of the 2014 Draft, could Martin's status as the team's top back be in question? Not according to HC Lovie Smith. "He's our starting tailback," Smith said. "He's on most of the billboards around here. He's an All-Pro running back. There is nothing to dislike about Doug Martin. At the same time, we want Doug around here for many years. You need to have some other guys. He can't carry it every second.'
Reported by the Tampa Bay Times
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Still, the selection of Simms adds further potentially high-end depth to an already deep position. Remember; Mike James was a sixth-round draft pick who excelled when thrust into action (before he too was injured last year). And waiver-wire pickup Bobby Rainey was productive after Martin and James went down. But as Tampa Times columnist Gary Shelton asked, "Who knows what the new Bucs regime really thinks of [Martin]?" Yes, he was sensational as a rookie. But even before he was injured last year, Martin had only one 100-yard game in six starts. Besides, as teams move from one coach to another, the regard they have for holdovers can change. Still, Smith claims the Bucs picked Sims because he brings "a different dimension." Still, fantasy football owners will want to keep an eye out for signs that Sims might become more than just a change of pace.
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