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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 1 (Top 10)
Age: 21 (2/7/1997)
Height & Weight: 5’11” & 223 pounds
Season Statistics: 217 attempts, 1,271 yards, 18 touchdowns; 54 receptions, 632 yards, 3 touchdowns

There’s a very good chance that Saquon Barkley won’t last until No. 7 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s the single best player in this draft class, and should be seriously considered by the teams slotted to pick at every spot from No. 1 to No. 6.

In the event that Barkley slides to No. 7 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, however, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should make this selection in a heartbeat.

Barkley is a generational talent who, with no hyperbole whatsoever, does it all. He’s a physical runner between the tackles, an explosive athlete who can bounce outside, and a dynamic receiving threat who can make plays out of the backfield or line up in the slot.

Barkley is also an outstanding return man, as evidenced by the two kickoffs that he took to the house during the 2017 college football season.

The game would become significantly easier for franchise quarterback Jameis Winston with a player like Barkley lining up behind him. Whether he’s handing it off or simply getting the ball to Barkley in the flat, good things should happen.

With a combination of Barkley, Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, and Winston, there would be no excuse for Tampa Bay having anything less than an elite offense in 2018 and beyond.

Must Read: Tremaine Edmunds is earning high praise

The question is: Which prospect will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invest in as the next franchise running back at the 2018 NFL Draft?

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