Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, C Nick Martin
By Dan Viens
With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, we take a look at some possible Seattle Seahawks draft targets.
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around.
Let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round.
NICK MARTIN, C, Notre Dame
Earlier, we spotlighted Alabama center Ryan Kelly as a possibility for the Seahawks. Center is certainly a position of need as the team looks to rebuild what was clearly the weakest position group on the roster in 2015. Kelly and Martin are considered the top two prospects in a generally strong center class, and both have a shot to go in the first round.
Here’s a closer look at Martin.
SPECS:
- Height – 6’4″
- Weight – 299 lbs
- Arms – 32 1/2″
- 40 yard dash – 5.22
STRENGTHS:
Known for being a nasty, road-grading finisher on run blocks. Here’s an excerpt from his nfl.com draft profile:
“Loves to play the game as physically as he can. Plays with a mean streak and then some. Finishes a block with authority if he gets the advantage.”
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Sounds like a Tom Cable kind of player, doesn’t it?
He also has great DNA. His brother Zach has established himself as one of the best guards in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.
WEAKNESSES:
Somewhat stiff in his movements and not always fluid. Had a significant knee injury earlier in his career and some scouts believe he looked more athletic before that.
HOW HE WOULD FIT FOR THE SEAHAWKS:
Martin is exactly the kind of tough, nasty, tenacious player the Seahawks need. GM John Schneider specifically pointed out that the team needed to get tougher up front as they rebuild the O-line this offseason.
The question is, who would fit better between Martin and Kelly? Both are expected to go in the late first to early second round, so it might be a matter of who’s left on the board. But if the Seahawks are serious about upgrading this position, drafting a starting-caliber rookie with their first pick would be a prudent move.
Next: Carroll nearing contract extension?
Martin is an intriguing prospect, and might have been the most impressive offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl overall, but Kelly is the better athlete and that’s the way the Seahawks typically lean. Ultimately, either player would be an upgrade.