5 NFL Running Backs Who Will Improve In 2017 (And 5 Who Won't)

Doug Martin is one of the NFL's premiere running backs... sometimes. During his five seasons in the NFL, he's constantly bounced between greatness, mediocrity, and injury. In his rookie season, he racked up 1,900 multi-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns, but then followed that up by missing 15 games over the next two seasons. In 2015, he was back to All-Pro form with 1,600 multi-purpose yards and 7 touchdowns, but then only played half of the 2016 season. Oh, and he's been suspended for the first four games of the 2017 season. Yikes.

Despite that suspension, there are many reasons to believe the other 12 games of the 2017 season will be a bounce back campaign for Martin. First, Martin he'll be healthy, and a healthy Doug Martin is an incredible player. Second, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have greatly added to their passing game, giving Martin a stronger support system to fall back on. Third, one of the players they added was OJ Howard, a rookie who projects become one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Martin has all the tools he needs to be great again, he just needs to execute.