Martin (suspension) has additional competition in the Buccaneers' backfield after the selection of Jeremy McNichols (shoulder) during this year's NFL Draft, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

One can speculate that the Buccaneers didn't select a running back before the fifth round due to Martin's showing in the offseason program to date. Indeed, he impressed general manager Jason Licht on the first day of the offseason program, looking "as good as I've seen him since I've been here, from a physical standpoint," according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. Having said that, Martin will likely have to avoid any stumbles in the coming months in order to solidify his previous standing as the Buccaneers' No. 1 running back. As for the other members of the backfield, McNichols will strive to compete with Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims (pectoral) for that spot during Martin's suspension to start this season, but the rookie's climb will be hampered by rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Assuming Martin continues to hearken back to better days, he's the logical candidate to serve as the team's top RB for the final 13 games of the campaign.