Oakland Raiders: Is Doug Martin primed for homecoming career revival?

Despite his struggles over the past two seasons, is running back Doug Martin primed for a bounce-back year with the Oakland Raiders?

The Oakland Raiders could’ve dipped into this year’s rookie running back pool. Instead, head coach Jon Gruden decided to share his homecoming with Doug Martin.

Oakland isn’t just Martin’s birthplace; he had his best game as a professional at the Coliseum, running for 251 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. In Tampa Bay Buccaneers record books, it ranks as a franchise-high for rushing yards in a game.

In March, Martin met with Gruden and left a good first impression, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, which eventually led to a one-year deal.

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Gruden’s charm, the Raiders offensive line and the allure of playing in familiar territory intrigued Martin, per San Francisco Chronicle reporter Matt Kawahara. “We’ve got Gruden coming, the front (offensive) line. And just being home — I was born here, and this is my homecoming. Those are the things that enticed me on signing here.”

Following the first series of organized team activity sessions, the Raiders head coach made sure to remind fans about the Muscle Hamster, per Silver and Black Pride’s Levi Damien. “A lot of people may have fallen asleep on Doug Martin,” Gruden continued. “He’s [an] All Pro back, he had almost 1500 yards in two different seasons. He has not looked good here, he has looked great.”

Oftentimes, fans completely forget Martin signed with the team. Who could blame them? He’s rushed for just 2.9 yards per carry over the past two seasons. Furthermore, the seventh-year ball-carrier has struggled with injuries and served a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy over the past two years.

Now, preparing for new professional life in Oakland, he seems motivated for somewhat of a bounce-back campaign.

Will Doug Martin Make the Final Roster?

Padded practices will help separate early workout warriors from fierce competitors, but Martin should see his name on the 53-man depth chart in September. He’s a dual-threat in the backfield as a ball-carrier and receiver. The former Buccaneer caught 130 passes for 1,091 yards to go along with 4,633 yards on the ground in seven seasons.

We can already lock running back Marshawn Lynch into the feature role in the backfield. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard took a few steps backward after decent rookie campaigns. Martin joins the stable with two years rushing for 1,400-plus yards, he’ll have every opportunity to lock up the No. 2 spot.

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Washington and Richard would see limited roles, but they have value as receivers in the short passing game. The Raiders’ versatility and depth at running back won’t allow one ball-carrier to breakout for 1,200 yards. However, there should be enough carries to feed Lynch with Martin filling in the gaps.

The Muscle Hamster’s 1,000-yard rushing seasons have passed him, but 1,000 yards from scrimmage seems reasonable for the upcoming campaign.

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