Zack Martin
Notre Dame, RT/OG
Height: 6.4
Weight: 308
Age: 23
|
Stats |
|
|
Year |
G |
|
2010 |
13 |
| 2011 |
13 |
| 2012 |
13 |
| 2013 |
13 |
Strengths:
Moves off the snap very well for a player of his size. Has a stout frame and shows an above average anchor in pass protection. Is capable of generating movement in the running game even against odd fronts, as evidenced against Stanford. Very good run blocking for an edge protector. Can get to the second level and find a man to block. Smart and knows where and when to go on zone runs. Shows very strong hands to punch defenders back and keep defenders off his frame. Keeps his hands inside and does not get whistled for holding. Clean footwork and comes off the ball low. Good technician. Gritty and does not give any reason to question his effort on the field. Smart, polished, and game is largely free of mental errors. Has a skillset that can project him to the inside. Played in 52 games and is extremely durable. Four year starter and team captain at a premier football program and had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl and his pro day.
Weaknesses:
Lined up at left tackle for most of his college career, but will be unable to remain there in the NFL. Lacks the length and lateral athleticism of an NFL left tackle and has an average at best ability to man the right side at the next level too. Best chance to succeed will likely be at left guard where he is inexperienced. Has a limited blocking range and does not redirect well. Can be beaten to the outside or inside off the snap. Does not have much arm length, mitigating his strong hands and allowing defenders to get their hands into his frame too easily to shed. Can get spun around in space. Frequently had at least one if not two tight ends lined up on his outside shoulder, suggesting a lack of confidence in his blocking range. Ability to sustain blocks is questionable. Can fall off or get run around too easily. Upside is fairly limited and is a starter at best.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Martin does not have a sure home along the offensive line at this point, but his ability to play somewhere on the line as a starter is not in question. Though he doesn’t jump out on tape as a dominating player, Martin’s calling card is consistency, toughness, and versatility, and could be overdrafted by a team looking for a right tackle, but is a safe pick that won’t disappoint by washing out. Can play on the inside for a zone blocking scheme, or on the outside in a man-blocking scheme.
Comparison: Justin Pugh
Grade: 8.9 (2nd Round)
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