The Bucs drafted Charles Sims in the third round last year, and although he got injured in the preseason and didn't end up playing much, he figures to be a big part of their plans in 2015. And beyond.
Tampa Bay declined to pick up Doug Martin's fifth-year option for 2016, so he'll be a free agent after the season. They didn't a draft a running back (just seventh-round fullback Joey Iosefa), and Bobby Rainey is the other notable back on the roster.
The PewterReport site linked above doesn't think Martin will necessarily even play for the team this year; says he'll at best be an insurance policy behind Sims. "Teams wants to feature Charles Sims."
That all sounds well and good, but Sims struggled to just 2.8 yards per carry last year, with 185 yards on 66 attempts. He did catch 19 passes for 190 yards, but they knew he was a good receiver when they drafted him. The question is whether he's a viable NFL running back.
Sims' rookie performance suggests it's a little too early to give up Martin or even Rainey having a role this year. The jury is very much out on whether Sims will take the starting job and, uh, run with it.
--Andy Richardson
