Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Running Back

Buccaneers: Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Running Back By Luke Easterling Jun 10, 2015 Grant Halverson/Getty Images Heading into the 2014 NFL draft, most believed running back was a position of strength for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.That led to many being surprised when the team spent an early third-round pick at the position, despite having far greater needs elsewhere on the roster.But thanks to injuries and a failed rebuild of the offensive line, Tampa Bay's backs struggled to find much effectiveness last season. No one was able to establish himself as the lead dog deserving of the majority of touches.Looking toward the 2015 season, nothing much has changed on the Tampa Bay depth chart at the position, with Doug Martin, Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey all vying for action.Who is in the lead for the starting gig? Who will lock down the third-down and short-yardage roles?Here's an in-depth look at the Bucs' depth chart at running back.Starter: Doug MartinReinhold Matay/Associated Press After a stellar rookie season that saw him rack up nearly 2,000 total yards and earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012, Doug Martin has struggled to stay healthy and effective over the past two years.Multiple injuries have slowed his growth and development, leading many to believe he'd be trade bait prior to this year's draft. But Bucs general manager Jason Licht said the team's new offensive coordinator went back to the film and liked what he saw, per Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com."Dirk Koetter, once he started watching tape of all our players, he came away impressed with Doug," Licht said. "You saw the tape when he’s healthy, he’s still a very effective runner. Doug has never looked better."Reynolds also pointed out Martin looks to be in the best shape of his NFL career, which seems to have given him an edge in the early pecking order: "Martin’s reward for coming into the offseason in the best shape of his life is getting the first crack at first-team reps ahead of Sims, who will be his primary competition for the starting halfback role this summer."Martin may get first crack at the starting job, but he'll have to have a nearly flawless training camp to hold off Charles Sims, whom the team holds in high regard. Still, if Martin can indeed rediscover his rookie-season form, he could end up holding onto the lion's share of the touches in 2015 and beyond.Next in Line: Charles SimsPatrick Semansky/Associated Press Despite having far greater needs elsewhere on the roster, Tampa Bay spent the 69th overall pick in the 2014 draft on Charles Sims. In him, head coach Lovie Smith recognized similar traits to Matt Forte, whom he had coached in Chicago.But Sims has yet to hit full speed. He's been held back by an ankle injury that cost him the first half of the regular season last year.The team is still high on him, but he's second on the depth chart. His skill set makes him a worthy candidate for most of the third-down snaps, where he'd be able to use his superior receiving skills and pass-blocking ability to help the Bucs move the chains.Sims may start out the season No. 2 on the depth chart, but don't be shocked if he ends up getting a bigger piece of the pie if Doug Martin disappoints early in the campaign.Leftovers: Bobby RaineyCliff McBride/Getty Images He's not the biggest, fastest or flashiest back on the roster, but Bobby Rainey was easily the Bucs' most effective runner last season, leading the team with 4.3 yards per carry in 2014.Despite playing behind a weak offensive line, he made the most of his touches and proved to be an effective runner.Ball control is the biggest reason why Rainey likely isn't getting more attention, as he coughed up three fumbles last season, all of which the opposing team recovered. If he can correct that issue, he could challenge Doug Martin and Charles Sims for playing time throughout the season.Both Sims and Martin struggled to stay healthy last season, so Rainey should be ready at any moment to take on an increased role. Based on his per-touch performance last season, he shouldn't miss a beat if the team relies on him to a greater extent in 2015.Short-Yardage BattleChris O'Meara/Associated Press It may seem like the remaining members of the running back corps would be afterthoughts, but it looks like Tampa Bay will have quite an intense competition for the vital short-yardage role.Injuries have limited Mike James over his first two NFL seasons. Despite appearing in 11 games last season, the former Miami Hurricane managed just 37 yards on 19 carries.James will have to hold off a newcomer to the unit in Dominique Brown, an undrafted free agent from Louisville who has already made a strong impression on the coaching staff, according to Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com:“ When Brown went undrafted the Bucs called him immediately, told him to look at the depth chart and showed him that he could come and win a roster spot in Tampa Bay.Brown has impressed the Bucs coaches and scouts with the way he attacks the line of scrimmage and gets to full speed in an instant. Koetter wants a big back to run between the tackles in his offense, and Brown can do that and more.”Given James' durability issues and ineffectiveness, it shouldn't shock Bucs fans to see Brown beat him out for this role. Brown has an impressive combination of size (6'2", 234 lbs) and speed and can move the pile effectively.Bucs legend Mike Alstott won't be suiting up anytime soon, but a fresh face could give the Bucs the boost they need in short-yardage situations that can be the difference between extending a drive and punting the ball away.link