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Buccaneers: Four takeaways from the 2017 NFL draft

By Alan Schechter

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with he ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with he ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Content at the Running Back Position

Sometimes what seems the most obvious isn’t obvious at all.

A high pick at running back seemed like a forgone conclusion. The Bucs paid virtually no attention to Adrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles. The Doug Martin situation is what it is. Now that his contract isn’t guaranteed, thanks to his poor judgment, we all believed that a high pick was coming and Doug Martin was going.

We waited, we waited, and we waited some more. There were names on the board for a long time, but not one came off of the board for the Bucs. Not Dalvin Cook, not Joe Mixon, not Marlon Mack, not anybody else. It wasn’t until the fifth round that Jason Licht finally used the draft to select a running back. That tells us something in big letters. It tells us that they are happy with Doug Martin and he is not likely going anywhere.

Yes, Winston was impressed with him. Licht went on Good Morning Football to rave about him. However, take a listen to what James Yarcho had to say on our draft recap podcast. First of all, it was an epic rant. Secondly, and more seriously, he’s absolutely right. Keep the faith in Jason Licht, but this is about as questionable of a strategy as I have seen with him. It really is time to move on from Martin.

Now, it’s not solely because of the drug suspension. If he had been a perennial 1,000 yard rusher, give him a second chance. That’s not who Martin is. Martin is a guy that hasn’t been able to stay on the field, and has more bad seasons than good ones. Even when completely healthy, it’s difficult to trust Martin to stay that way. Does anyone feel confident that we will get 2012, 2015 Doug Martin? Why not turn the page with a young player.

It’s pretty obvious now that the Bucs don’t want to do that. Hopefully they aren’t letting their personal feelings for the player define their business decisions.

Next: Reviewing the tight ends, post-draft

What are some of your takeaways from the draft? Let us know.

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