5 replacements for Doug Martin in Tampa Bay

Bobby Rainey

Bobby Rainey finally got his chance to prove to the NFL that he can run for serious yards last year as Doug Martin was injured and failed to produce. Rainey became an option out of the backfield and even on short screen passes that did help with the struggling Bucs offense. His 406 rushing and 315 receiving yards will only increase as his career goes on and his responsibilities increase.

Much like Asiata, Rainey is definitely one of those guys who will have to be paired with a veteran running back. But thinking there are many of those guys around next year in free agency, the Bucs can probably get someone for cheap. And if Rainey’s production continues to produce as the Bucs organization adds more offensive weapons beside him, they could have found their next premier running back, just at a huge discount.

The Bucs obviously have more areas to cover besides just running back. Keeping Rainey at the discounted price he comes with allows them to focus on those other areas while having a solid back who will produce consistent numbers. He isn’t going to go out there and rush for 1,500 yards and 10 plus touchdowns, but he might do 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns in the backfield. Pair that with a veteran and it seems like the Bucs are set at running back for 2016.

Next: 3. Reggie Bush