Dolphins address OL with OT Jonathan Martin of Stanford in 2nd round
Written by Tony Simmons   
Friday, 27 April 2012

The Dolphins address one of their major needs with OT Jonathan Martin of Stanford.  The Dolphins get a talented OT that played on the left side for the Cardinal, but will move to the ORT for Miami.  The Dolphins gave up 52 sacks and 95 hits on the quarterback in 2011, so this was a much need pick and the Dolphins get a very talented offensive lineman that dropped a little bit.

 

 nfl.com

Overview

Martin is one of two tackle prospects in this year's class who could be called elite, and given the value of the position will be a likely first-round pick because of it. He embodied all that Stanford football was throughout his time there, as he is an aggressive, smart, technically sound prospect who will enter the league at a stage in his development where he should be able to contribute immediately.

Analysis

Strengths

Martin has prototypical skills for the position. He missed just two games in his career and is extremely tough. He carries his weight well and is one of the most technically sound prospects in the draft. He has a smooth, efficient pass set that allows him to get a solid base and work from a balanced state. He is powerful and aggressive against the run and has good footwork for his size. Martin was the anchor of a very polished offensive line and is simply an NFL-ready tackle.

Weaknesses

Martin has a tendency to pop upright on contact and get slightly off balance, usually when slanting in the run game. He isn't a real powerful or violent puncher, and at times his punches will slow his feet and he can get caught off guard. He isn't a quick-twitched mover off the snap and could have some issues against the league's best speed rushers.

 

 





 

 

ESPN Insider

 

Overall Football Traits

Production 1 "2008: Redshirt. 2009: (13/11) 2010: (13/13) 2011: (13/13)"
Height-Weight-Speed 2 "Average blend of height, arm length (34), hand size (9 7/8 inches), weight and top-end speed. Note: 40-time is from pro day. "
Durability 2 Starting all 26 games during final two seasons at Stanford. Caught an illness and did not participate in drills at the NFL scouting combine.
Intangibles 2 Passionate about the game. A team player that is well respected and liked by teammates and coaches. Has developed into a leader along the offensive line.
 
 
 
 
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

Offensive Tackle Specific Traits

Pass Protection 2 Above-average quickness in set and plays with a wide base. A gifted athlete. Light on his feet and can slide and mirror with defenders once getting into position. Displays a quick and compact punch and resets quickly. Tends to be high with hands and can be more consistent with punch. Biggest issue is with his core strength. Struggles at times to anchor versus bull rush.
Run Blocking 2 Above-average run blocker due to quickness. Quick first step and consistently good angle to establish initial positioning. Works hard to keep pads low and will drive his legs after initial contact. Moves well laterally but not as natural working to the second level. Can be late reaching the second level and takes inconsistent angles.
Awareness 2 "Displays natural football intelligence. Assignment sound in the run game. Identifies and locates targets at the second level. Can adjust on the fly against defensive line movement. Shows good awareness in pass pro. Locates pressures from the second and third level. Also shows good patience to stay home working against defensive line stunts, games, twists etc. "
Toughness 2 Gives good fight when locked in a phone booth and works to sustain blocks. Will clean up piles on occasion. Wears down and lack of strength really becomes apparent.
 
 
 
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

 

 

NFL Draft Countdown

 

 Strengths:

   • Good size w/ large frame and long arms
   • Terrific athleticism, balance and agility
   • Natural knee bender with nimble feet
   • Solid understanding of positioning / angles
   • Shows the ability to lock on and sustain
   • Firm grasp of technique and fundamentals
   • Good teammate with a great work ethic
   • Durable with a lot of quality experience

Weaknesses:

   • Not overly physical and lacks a killer instinct
   • Lacks strength to anchor at point of attack
   • Not powerful w/ marginal push in run game
   • Had some struggles protecting the edge
   • Inconsistent in space and at second level

Injury History:

   • None of Consequence

Notes:

Was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Cardinal --- Redshirted in 2008 --- Named 1st Team All-Pac-10/12 in 2010 and 2011 --- Protected Andrew Luck's blind side and was a standout for one of the countries premier offensive lines --- Could project to either left or right tackle at the next level and best fit may come in a zone scheme --- Profiles as a potential starter but will require development, especially in the weight room --- Overrated prospect who possesses some intriguing physical tools and an impressive résumé but plays with a finesse demeanor and is neither an elite level pass protector or a dominant run blocker.

Prediction: 

   • First Round

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