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Nick Martin, OG/C
School: Notre Dame | Conference: Independent
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 299 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Early 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Ryan Kalil
College Statistics
N/A
Player Overview
Nick Martin is the brother of Cowboys Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin. They have had similar career paths at Notre Dame, both arguably the best linemen on their Fighting Irish offensive line groups. Nick also didn't have dissimilar testing numbers from his brother at the combine. With Nick Martin's versatility there might be some wondering why he isn't in the 1st round conversation like his brother Zack. Nick Martin played LG and C in his career. Zack played both tackle positions and was moved inside once drafted by the Cowboys – thus the difference. Martin is technically sound and has the strength to anchor and sustain blocks in both run and pass protection. Martin was a leader on Notre Dame's offense and it showed on the field with his apparent command of the offensive line. He is in the discussion for the best center prospect in this draft and is already appealing to a lot of teams including the Colts, Chargers, and Jets.
Strengths
- Often described as a technician. Plays with NFL level of understanding of blocking assignments, calls, and technique. He remains stout under pressure and is balanced and stout in pass protection. Knows when to extend arms or when to punch.
- Snap placement and get off is not an issue. And can play G or C positions with the same level of quality. Versatile.
- Tough player with a bit of nasty to him. Plays physical. A solid anchor on the run that has the ability to move his man off the spot and sustain blocks.
- Solid awareness. If he can he knows when to shuffle over and help out a teammate. Down blocks and seals with authority creating great running lanes.
- Athletic and can get out on pitches or screens and up to the second level.
Weaknesses
- A little stiff and lumbering in his movements.
- Occasionally loses the leverage battle when he doesn't play with low enough pad level.
Let's see his work:
Nick Martin is a technician in the run game. He's efficient with his hands, base, and application of leverage. Gap/Zone versatile.
— Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout) April 7, 2016
Nick Martin is a 2x captain, with 37 career starts, 10 at LG, 27 at center. Going to attempt to get in 5-6+ games of his before the report.
— Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout) April 7, 2016
Nick Martin/C/Notre Dame continues to impress. Handled Austin Johnson/Penn State on consecutive snaps.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 28, 2016
Mayock likes idea of the #Jets drafting one of these two centers, playing them at guard: https://t.co/k7qQv690UM pic.twitter.com/HbfRtkTQEi
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) February 25, 2016
Nick Martin is his typical solid self. He doesnt do anything well and get struggle with power. But his technique and fight are very good.
— Bryan Driskell (@BGI_CoachD78) January 30, 2016
Jack Allen and Nick Martin both winning today with technique and leverage. Martin is the best OL on the North team though. He's ready now.
— Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout) January 28, 2016
Nick Martin too damn competitive & tough not to succeed. Not Ryan Kelly or his brothers level. Give some team 100+ quality starts next 8 Yrs
— NFL_DRAFT_Bites (@NFLDraftBites) March 26, 2016
Combine Results
How He Would Fit on the Redskins
If drafted by the Redskins I have no doubt Nick Martin could come in and compete and win the starting job at center. Nick is better at everything compared to Kory Lichtenstiger except for NFL playing experience and knowing the Redskins' offense. Fortunately Martin just isn't supremely talented – he is very intelligent as well and I'm sure he would be able to pick up all the nuances and duties at center quickly and be ready to go by the first regular season game. Pick 21 may be too rich a spot to pick Martin but if the Redskins traded out of the 1st round down to a high 2nd round pick Martin could be there. Martin may last to pick 53 of course depending on how the draft shakes out. Nick Martin is ready to start on an NFL offensive line at C or G. If the Redskins want a starter with toughness, technique, leadership quality at a second round value to further solidify the offensive line Nick Martin is a definite option.