| Considered to among the best pure nose tackles in this year's draft, Martin enjoyed a successful four-year career in Ann Arbor. He set career highs with 64 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks during his 2011 senior season for a Michigan squad that allowed 17.4 points per game - vastly improved from the 35.2 per contest the Wolverines yielded in 2010. Martin, who earned All-Big Ten second team honors for the second straight season in 2011, recorded 25 tackles for loss during his career. Though Martin's lack of height could drop him as far down as the third round, his overall strength can't be overlooked. A workout warrior who was the king of the Michigan weight room for four years, Martin tied for third among all defensive linemen at the NFL scouting combine with 36 reps in the bench press. He was very durable, missing one game in his career while dealing with a pair of ankle injuries during his junior season. While Martin has experience in a 3-4 defensive scheme, he might not have the burst or consistent ability to handle double-teams in that system at the next level. His best value could come as a rotational interior lineman in a 4-3 scheme where he needs to shed one blocker most of the time. Martin, who enjoyed a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, is an intelligent athlete who could learn as a role player while he continues to improve from a technique standpoint. |
