2014 NFL Draft Profile: Zack Martin, OT Notre Dame
By Adam Carlson
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) blocks against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
There seems to be quite a few excellent offensive tackles in this year’s draft. One of them is Notre Dame’s Zack Martin. Martin will be an excellent asset to any team that picks him in this year’s draft.
Martin has the ability to play guard or tackle on the offensive line. This kind of versatility will only help his draft stock. A team with a need at guard and a swing tackle should jump on him early in this year’s draft. Martin showed the ability to play at a high level at guard during this year’s Senior Bowl and there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t continue that success in the NFL.
Jan 5, 2013; Miami FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) speaks to the media during media day for the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
It will be interesting to see what position he will be drafted to play. Odds are better that he will succeed at guard, but could be coached to play offensive tackle in the right blocking schemes. Either way, Martin should be a first round selection in this year’s draft, but stranger things have definitely happened in drafts past.
Strengths
- Low center of gravity
- Can play guard or tackle
- Great blocking on the move
- Nasty, powerful blocker
Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal size
- Shorter arm length
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota needs a new starting guard and a swing tackle. Martin could handle both of these jobs.
My Take
Martin would be perfect for the Vikings. He is essentially a much better version of Charlie Johnson (who became a free agent this year). He can be the team’s swing tackle or starting guard. He can’t be a consideration at #8 overall for the Vikings, but if he ends up falling in the draft, he would be more than worthy of being their second selection.