One of the newest Oakland Raiders is turning heads at OTAs. In fact, running back Doug Martin has looked so good, that people who cover the team are wondering if he might battle Marshawn Lynch for the starting job come training camp.
Doug Martin showing that quick burst again today. Don’t be surprised if we have a starting RB competition on our hands at training camp. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 29, 2018
Coaches have been impressed by Doug Martin this far…showed some burst here today..(caveat: in an OTA with no pads)
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) May 29, 2018
Raiders were high on RB Doug Martin in free agency. Here in OTAs, stance has not changed. Health the caveat but showing explosion. Conceivable that he chews into Marshawn Lynch’s workload.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 29, 2018
Lynch was by far Oakland’s top running back a season ago. He carried the ball 207 times for 891 yards with seven touchdowns.
Martin began 2017 on the suspended list after failing a drug test at the end of the 2016 season. He got into 11 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was one of the team’s many disappointing players. Martin carried the ball 138 times for only 406 yards with three touchdowns.
Certainly, a lot can happen between now and training came and the regular season. For now, the Raiders are planning on going forward with both Martin and Lynch on the roster.
But it’s certainly apparent that Martin knows how to make a good first impression.