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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Five options to replace Doug Martin in 2018 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids cornerback Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids cornerback Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Projection: Round 3
Age: 22 (3/13/1995)
Height & Weight: 5’10” & 191 pounds
Season Statistics: 252 attempts, 1,109 yards, 10 touchdowns; 28 receptions, 353 yards, 3 touchdowns

Every NFL team needs a running back who can come in and make plays out of the backfield. Players cut from the cloth of Theo Riddick, Darren Sproles, and Danny Woodhead may not always make headlines, but they can be genuine impact players.

It’s unclear if Akrum Wadley will be able to run between the tackles on a full-time basis, but the Buccaneers should give serious thought to this potential steal of a selection.

The Round 3 projection is somewhat generous, as some believe that Wadley will come off the board in Round 4. Regardless of when he comes off the board, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star could be a game-changing acquisition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers’ patience with Charles Sims‘ injuries displays how badly this team wants a change-of-pace running back, and Wadley could fit the mold.

Wadley is a lightning-quick athlete who can change directions without a moment’s notice and turn up field. Running between the tackles could prove problematic, but he can get outside, thrive on third downs, and potentially bulk up to handle a bigger share of the workload on the ground.

This would be an upside gamble, in some regards, but he’s elusive in the open field and a tough runner who will fight for extra yardage.

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