Hillis Impressed By Doug Martin
August 1st, 2013
Peyton Hillis sure looks the part of beastly, bruising — and fast — running back on the practice fields of One Buc Palace.
Whether he can recapture his 2010 glory is unknown. But Hillis still has his smooth Arkansas accent and was happy to use it to give Joe a scouting report of Doug Martin.
“Great guy. Very hungry and dedicated and very disciplined,” Hillis said of Martin. “We have a great running backs coach, you know, that helps. I think [Martin] is very professional in all that he does. And that’s good.”
Hillis said he’s not thinking about anything more than one practice at a time and making the Bucs’ roster. He’s still working as both a fullback and a running back.
Joe thinks Hilllis’ odds of making the Bucs are quite small, especially since he doesn’t play special teams. However, if Michael Smith can’t land the kick returner role and rookie Mike James doesn’t stand out — he hasn’t to date — then Hillis could find himself employed come September.
August 1st, 2013 at 10:45 am
Hillis impressed by Doug Martin. Is there anyone that isn’t?
August 1st, 2013 at 10:49 am
I know the Bucs are in love with Lorig….but, to me he seems like he isn’t being used as much as a runner/reciever. I don’t know if that’s just the plan or if he is lacking in those areas.
So, FB would be another position available to Hillis or perhaps Leonard.
Without strong Tight Ends…I’d like to see more production from FB
August 1st, 2013 at 10:52 am
I think Lorig is at risk of not having a gig.
Smith and/ or James can be put into practice squad.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:03 am
@ Red86
I agree….there is a reason why we are bringing in RB/FB types….Lorig hasn’t been mentioned, but we may be looking for an upgrade here
August 1st, 2013 at 11:31 am
If Blount was worthy of a roster spot, then so is Hillis.
Leonard > Blount
Hillis > Blount
August 1st, 2013 at 11:38 am
Until Leonard and Hillis can prove they are a better road grader, and have a complete grasp of the playbook than Lorig, then I don’t see Lorig going anywhere. It’s more like after Martin and Lorig, the coach is looking for someone more versatile. In my book that would be Leonard. He can multi task as FB/RB, 3rd down back, and special teams.
I have it right now as,
Martin – starter
Lorig – starter
Leonard backup RB/FB, 3rd down back, and ST
Hillis – backup RB/FB, 3rd down back (bubble)
Smith – could make roster as PR/KR, backup RB (bubble)
James – backup RB, and ST (bubble)
So far Leonard would be my obvious choice for my third back.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:44 am
6 RB/FB on final 53? Put down the crack pipe.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:46 am
^^^^ Try reading again. It’s really not that hard to comprehend once you read (bubble) next to the last three. Always someone trying to shite on someone elses parade
August 1st, 2013 at 11:48 am
I think they keep Hillis and Brian L.
Both can run and play FB. I think Smith is gone.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:49 am
^^^^read again, maybe this time you will comprehend before being rude. There was a reason why I put bubble in parenthesis, or is that to much for you to understand? Maybe you should put down your crack pipe.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:53 am
Yikes, thats a tough list to be picking from tk make cuts. Id say unless michael smith is mind blowing returning kicks in the preseason his days are done. Not gonna cut James after just drafting him and either Hillis or Leonard are gonna get cut. Good problrms to have
August 1st, 2013 at 11:58 am
Maybe we brought in Hillis to push Leonard….but I don’t think so. if Smith can’t return kicks…he’ll be practice squad or gone.
I agree that we will likely not get rid of James this early but sometimes its better to admit a mistake than stick with it.
Also, don’t forget Demps….there is an outside chance that he makes the roster.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:09 pm
If 4 guys make the final 53, how can the other two be on the bubble? There is no bubble, crack head.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:12 pm
my prediction
active roster RBs- Martin, Leonard, James
FB- Lorig
cuts- Hillis, Smith.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Tampbaybucfan brings up a good point though. if we get Demps and he wins the starting PR/KR jobs, that would certainly throw a wrench into the whole situation.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:20 pm
aww implied drug use that ruins lives! yay! so classy here at jbf you guys make me proud.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@snook
Being on the bubble means that they are competing for the final spot for the 53 man roster, chicken neck.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:32 pm
I’m not sure how anything is going to play out other than Martin being the Bell Cow.
Leonard seems to easily be the most versatile all rounder, with a reputation for making plays so I think he’s safe.
Hillis can bring new meaning to power running, especially behind a healthy Buc OL. If he returns to past form, how could the Bucs not want him on the roster?
As for the others HB’s? Meh.
As for Lorig, I used to think he was a lock, but his role is as a lead blocker only. Could Leonard/Hillis offer us more versatility in a two back set?
August 1st, 2013 at 12:49 pm
My opinion, If Smith can’t win the KR or PR job, I think he may not make it. I think we only keep 5 RB/FBs. Somebody that’s pretty good is going to get cut!
August 1st, 2013 at 1:00 pm
If Hilli shows reasonably well in camp and preseason games and for some reason doesn’t make it here someone else will pick him up.
August 1st, 2013 at 1:09 pm
I’m shocked. Erik Lorig have 0 rushing attempt. They should try him out at TE, which is a position he actually has a history playing. He would have a great shot of staying if that was the case. All the drop passes from TE is disappointing me so far since camp started.
Hillis and Leonard was pretty good FB before they was drafted. Both are a great threat at running and catching. Which is good for third and short. They can just give it to the FB instead of wasting precious seconds to give it to the HB. Or risk a Qb injury on third and short on a QB sneak.
August 1st, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Be reasonable people! My prediction:
RB
1. Martin
2. Hillis (Backup 2back, Starting 3 if he can block/catch at least as well as Lorig)
3. Leonard (3rd 2back, spec teams, possible 3rd down back, can play 3back in a pinch)
1. Lorig (Starting 3back if he can fend of Hillis)
5.James (practice squad)
6. Demps only makes the squad if he starts at KR
August 1st, 2013 at 5:54 pm
james will make dis team.
August 1st, 2013 at 6:41 pm
I’d keep Hillis as Goal line and Mike James at Return duyy and RB3. Anyone not like how that sounds from two years ago?????????????????
August 1st, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Isn’t Lorig hurt?