Mike Martin: 6 Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses of 2012 NFL Draft Prospect
By (Featured Columnist) on April 24, 2012
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Mike Martin proved his worth to NFL teams at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The 6'1", 206-pound defensive lineman was impressive in drills during the week and then got by, through and around Ben Jones of Georgia, the player most scouts regard as the second-best center in this draft.
Although the height may be a little bit of a concern for some scouts, Martin will still be chosen within the first three rounds of the draft and show that playing in the Big Ten against players like Riley Reiff of Iowa has its advantages.
While he is graded out as the eighth-best prospect at his position, Martin will still be a dependable player for a team needing depth and someone with determination.
Here are some strengths and weaknesses about Martin's game, according to cbssportsline.com.
He Is Undersized in Both Height and Weight
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The measurements of 6'1" and 300 pounds may push scouts and teams away. Martin makes up for that with a thick build that is hard to move around.
He uses his "violent" hands to move through blockers to the ball-carrier or the quarterback.
He Has Long Arms
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This keeps his opponents at a distance. It also means that opponents cannot get a really good grasp of him during the play.
According to the scouting report, Martin was able to keep Michael Brewster, Ohio State's center and 2012 draft hopeful, from having direct contact with him on many occasions.
Where Is the Consistency?
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He has plenty of experience as a 3-4 nose tackle, but does not seem to be the right fit to anchor a line as a starter.
Martin could be a solid rotation player in a 4-3 scheme as a three-technique tackle and move to the nose on passing downs.
He Is a Hustler
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He uses quickness more than brute strength to get around offensive linemen.
Martin runs the line very well, making plays on the ball when he beats blocks on the backside. He rarely goes to the ground, showing good balance from his high school wrestling days.
Has a Low Center of Gravity
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This is good, so he is not knocked down easily. Players who play lower to the ground are harder to take down.
He uses great leverage at the point of attack.
Always Moving
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Martin fits into the cliche as he always has his motor running and is a high-character guy. Those kinds of players never give up and are determined to make the team.
Martin is not going to be fastest or the best on the team, but he will hustle and play hard and make players understand they have been in a war in the trenches.
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