My All-2014 NFL Draft Team - Offense

With the 2014 NFL Draft in the books, I thought it would be good to go over my most favorite players position by position to make my All-2014 NFL Draft Team. Here would be my offensive team.

Quarterback: Aaron Murray, Georgia, #11

Game Film Evaluated: LSU (2013) South Carolina (2013) Missouri (2013) Auburn (2013)

Pros: Really looks so much like Drew Brees, handles himself in the pocket. Reads the defense pre-snap. Can fire a rocket or with touch. Deadly accurate. Can buy some time with his legs to beat a defense with his arm. Has the look of calm and comfortable in any situation during game. Remarkable his performance when behind, his team was down several scores early vs Auburn and he scored game-tying score. Moves around fairly well to avoid pressure. Like to see him step up in the pocket move to help his tackles out from the speed rush. He has the look of someone who wants the ball when game is on the line, performs well in clutch situations. His best throws are on slants, in routes across the middle.
Cons: Mostly throws from shotgun. Few snaps from under center. Struggles when doesn’t have a clean pocket to throw from. Not the tallest of signal callers, does get a few passes knocked down at the line.
Summary: Murray is just a step down from the top QBs in the class, he’s had lots of experience in the most competitive and talented defenses week in and out in the SEC. He has NFL QB skills without the ideal size and elite arm strength. He has the look of someone the most NFL ready in the class to transition into a pro system soon. I see so much Drew Brees with Aaron Murray and he went at the top of the 2nd round. I think Murray is a 2nd round player who could go earlier. An ideal Cowboys target to take over for Romo.

Taken in Round 5, #163 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs

Runningback: Tre Mason, Auburn, #22

Game Film Evaluated: Alabama (2013) Missouri (2013) Florida State (2013)

Pros: Great speed, good jump cuts. Also returns kicks for Auburn. Physical runner going inside. Keeps the legs moving after contact. Breaks tackles and explode through the hole. Puts his head down and can run inside near the goaline. Carries the load inside and outside.
Cons: Gives good effort in pass protection, needs to use better technique to neutralize blitzers. Too much dancing and cutting before he even gets to the line. The lack of attacking the line caused too many no gain and negative runs vs Florida State.
Summary: A feature back in the NFL, has the speed to break it to the outside and inside. A physical runner to pound it inside in short yardage situations. Has elite burst and good downfield speed. He can guys miss and take it for the score. A first round pick and should be a fine back in the NFL for a good while but long-term durability is always a concern now days with backs.

Taken in Round 3, #75 overall by the St. Louis Rams

Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins, Clemson


Watkins is the definition of a playmaker at the receiver position. He can turn any play into a score, the burst and speed is unmatched. He will change the way opponents have to defend him and demand the safeties attention to prevent him from beating them deep.

Taken in Round 1, #4 overall by the Buffalo Bills

Marqise Lee, USC

Lee was a top 15 prospect had injuries not slowed him down in 2013 but he is not a durability concern. He is a top receiver who has just as much talent as Watkins. Lee was all that USC had offensively and he carried the load for them. Just get him the ball and great things will happen, simple as that. He will immediately impress in the NFL and for the next 8-10 years at a high level.

Taken in Round 2, #39 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars

Tight End: Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State.


I value solid all-around tight ends who are equally good at catching the ball, running routes and blocking inline at a high level in the running game. The blocking is usually what rules out the top prospects each year in the draft. It has become a split out as a receiver and take advantage of the match ups on a linebacker type of position. I may be old fashioned but I demand my tight end to be able to block inline or he is limiting how well I can run the ball. I loved Gillmore all around skill set to be comfortable catching the ball, not an elite talent to blow up the seam like Jimmy Graham or Vernon Davis but he will blow up and seal the edge on running downs as a blocker. He was brought in late to the Senior Bowl and instantly became the best tight end down there as a receiver or blocker, didn't matter, he was the best.

Taken in Round 3, #99 overall by the Baltimore Ravens

Left Tackle: Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, #75

Game Film Evaluated: Alabama (2013) Missouri (2013)

Pros: Very quick feet, comfortable on the move, can hit a moving target on screens and pulling. Really makes pass protecting look easy despite going against quality rushers in the SEC.
Cons: Average run blocker, saw little too much bending at the waist and doesn’t finish blocks well in run game. Rushers with a quick inside move give him trouble. Doesn’t do great resetting his hands to prevent getting holding calls.
Summary: Top 10 prospect, capable of starting Day 1 as a blindside pass protector in the NFL. Fits best into a zone blocking scheme due to his excellent feet and not a mauler in the running game.

Taken in Round 1, #6 overall by the Atlanta Falcons

Right Tackle: Zach Martin, Notre Dame, #70 Game Film Evaluated: Stanford (2013) USC (2013)

Pros: Gets good depth in protection, drives well in run blocking. Understands angles and can seal the edge in run blocking. Collapse his man inside to open up cut back. Really really good at turning his man to seal off the edge in the run game. Going to work great in a zone blocking scheme. Just doesn’t give an inch in pass protection. Quickly recovered when beaten off snap from Trent Murphy.
Cons: Will struggle with elite speed rushers if stays at tackle. Only speed rushers will give him trouble, don’t see elite quickness off the snap. Never saw him pull or get out in space. Did not see him block to the 2nd level except rarely on sweeps. He was beaten a couple of times with a good swim move, Martin dropped his head.

Senior Bowl: With a number of big names opting to decline their invitations, some due to injury and some by choice, Notre Dame OT Zack Martin entered the week as one of the top prospects in this years game. It’s still very early but so far Martin has lived up to that billing. A four-year starter on the blindside for the Fighting Irish, Martin doesn’t necessarily look the part of a stud left tackle prospect but as they say looks can be deceiving. Martin checked in at 6-4⅛ and 305 pounds with 32¼-inch arms, 9¾-inch hands and a 76⅞-inch wingspan. On the face those aren’t eye-popping numbers and the relatively short arms are of particular concern. With that said it’s important to remember that just last year Justin Pugh was selected in the Top 20 overall with eerily similar measurables. Many feel Martin may fit best at right tackle or perhaps even kick inside to guard at the next level but so far he has more than held his own on the left side and excelled against top competition such as Stanford DE Trent Murphy. If Martin continues to perform well the rest of the way it will no longer be a question of if he’s a first rounder but rather how early he might come off the board in round one. While Martin may not have the prototypical physical tools that you look for at the position. Notre Dame OT Zack Martin, Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman and Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald were standouts yesterday and all three continued to put on a show in Mobile. In fact, Martin is arguably the best player in attendance and could very well be the first 2014 Senior Bowl participant selected on Draft Day. By now it almost goes without saying but Notre Dame OT Zack Martin and Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald continue to shine. Martin actually got some work inside at offensive guard today which set up a highly-anticipated showdown with Donald. In that head-to-head matchup between two of this weeks most dominant performers it was Martin who was finally able to slow down Donald. Solid, Solid, solid! That’s the best way for me to describe my opinion of the work of OT/ZACK MARTIN/Notre Dame this week. He may not be perfect in his movement, but he never seems to get really beaten by a defender. He is tenacious and fights to and thru the whistle. He’s effective against bigger guys, and he’s effective against faster guys. There is concern about his lack of ideal height, at 6’4, as well as his weight at 305. He also has just average arm length, but 32 ½” arm length does not scare me. I see no reason he cannot be an effective OT in the NFL. But I also think he could easily slide inside and be a starter at OG as well. He displays economy of motion, and I do not see a glaring flaw in any of his work this week. Solid! Interesting day for Notre Dame G/T Zach Martin, who came into Mobile as one of the fastest risers on the board despite being somewhat undersized with real short arms for an OT. What Martin has been able to do this week though is show that he is a fine technician who moves his feet well and can lock when he makes good initial contact. However, there were several pass block situations today where Martin wasn’t able to close down the edge off the snap and appeared to lack the length to regain the advantage.

Summary: Steady and consistent, two words would best describe Martin. I would not say he is dominating but he will neutralize his man regardless if in pass protection or blocking in the run game. He fits best in a zone blocking scheme as his feet are very good and since he is not a mauler. I did not observe him having to block in space so difficult to project him at left guard. I like him best as a right tackle zone blocking scheme. He is a 1st round pick.

Taken in Round 1, #16 overall by the Dallas Cowboys

Left Guard: Trai Turner, LSU, #56

Game Film Evaluated: Arkansas (2013) Texas A&M (2013)

Pros: Has a wide base, finishes blocks. Good strength to drive lineman off the line. He can pull and bury his man in space. He can keep his feet moving and get to the 2nd level. He brings a top level of physical style of play to the offensive line. He keeps his head on a swivel to pick up rushers in stunts and delayed blitzers. Plays with long and strong hands. Stays on his feet.
Cons: Gets his hands over extended, drops his head. Needs work on resetting his feet in pass protection, gets off balance and causes him to start reaching. He Was not nearly as dominant vs Texas A&M especially in run blocking.
Summary: Turner is a younger prospect coming after his redshirt sophomore season at LSU. He is athletic with a perfect build for a guard. He has the strength to become a mauler in the run game with a top level of physical attitude and base to not give up much in pass protection. However he has ability to be dominating especially when he can pull as he consistently blows up his man. 3rd value with significant upside.

Taken in Round 3, #92 overall by the Carolina Panthers

Right Guard: Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, #61

Game Film Evaluated: LSU (2013) Alabama (2013)

Pros: Saw Gabe Jackson pull with some effectiveness vs LSU. Jackson dominated mostly Ego Ferguson and any LSU Tiger he lined up against. Saw better feet in pass protection than expected and play with long arms and excellent base. Did not get as big a push vs Ferguson in the run game but by no means did Ferguson win any of those battles. Capable of hitting the second level displayed vs Bama. Showed ability to slide in protection to hand off rushers when they stunted. Also handled a blitzing punch with ease.
Cons: Defeated by Bama defender first snap with excellent rip move. Struggles with consistent passing, he is made for going forward in run game. He can move in space but not able to hit the moving target with consistency. Not good vs speed rushers from the tackle position.

Senior Bowl: Meanwhile Mississippi St. OG Gabe Jackson has impressed with his sheer size, brute strength and physical style. Jackson won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme but will surely be a target of teams that utilize a power, run based attack. Jackson is also benefiting to a degree from the struggles that Baylor OG Cyril Richardson has experienced at times this week. However, it should be noted that Jackson hasn’t had to face the force of nature known as Aaron Donald like poor Mr. Richardson either. I still like most of what I see from big Mississippi State OG GABE JACKSON who is going to need to go to an NFL team that still employs a power running game, but as I watch this giant work I still think of CHANCE WARMACK last year. WARMACK showed some warts as we watched more film of him leading up to the draft. I see the same kind of player in JACKSON, but even bigger. I also think if JACKSON had played on an OL with guys like FLUKER & the KUOANDJIO brothers it might have hidden some of flaws better as well.

Summary: Jackson is not an elite guard prospect by any stretch but he is a more than capable starting guard in an angle scheme focused on physical run blocking like the Steelers or the 49ers. He fits best as a right guard as he can pull but not hit the moving target. Not as good a prospect as Larry Warford was a year ago. 3rd round value who could start as rookie but does not fit well for Dallas.

Taken in Round 3, #81 overall by the Oakland Raiders

Center: Weston Richburg, Colorado State, #70

Game Film Evaluated: Alabama (2013) Colorado (2013) Utah State (2013)

Pros: Athletic center, pulls with ease and can hit the moving target. He can really get a push if he keeps his feet moving. Pulls effectively and can get out into space. Looks to be best a zone blocking center and could even play guard. Confirms he is a zone blocking center only, guard in a pinch.
Cons: Not overly powerful at the point but can turn his man and seal the edge. He will not get movement in the run game unless he moves his feet. Got pushed around by strong nose tackle in the bama game. Could not get much of a push when a strong tackle is lined up on him.

Senior Bowl: Colorado St. C Weston Richburg doesn’t get a lot of attention for someone who could be a Top 100 pick but is one of the few blockers who has held his own against Aaron Donald and Ra’Shede Hageman. Richburg is making a strong case for why he should be the first pivot off the board.

Summary: Good center who can excel for a zone blocking scheme, he could play some left guard due to this ability to move on pulls and sweeps. He is not a power blocker and should not be used in an angle scheme. Capable of starting soon in his career as a 3rd round pick.

Taken in Round 2, #43 overall by the New York Giants

Looking over the Cowboys Draft, did they get enough help on defense?

The Dallas Cowboys headed into the 2014 draft needing tons of help on defense but if the opportunity presented itself, they should look to upgrade the offense especially on the offensive line. That was the game plan from Valley Ranch going into the Draft Thursday night.

If you are like me, I didn't have much confidence in Jerry Jones to be able to hold to the plan and help build this team the right way. This was tested in the first round when polarizing QB Johnny Manziel fell right into Dallas' lap at #16 overall. I was terrified at the idea of Jerry thinking bringing Manziel in would put the Cowboys in any better shape for a championship with the salary implication he's put the team into with Tony Romo and the horrendous defense he fed to Monte Kiffin in 2013.

Thankfully Jerry selected the best lineman on the board bringing in Zach Martin, the offensive tackle from Notre Dame. The team did inquire about trading down but there were no substantial offers on the table to justify moving back off a player like Martin. The best defensive prospects were off the board specifically, Anthony Barr to Vikings and Aaron Donald to the Rams.

Here is my report on Zach Martin

Zach Martin, Notre Dame, #70

Game Film Evaluated: Stanford (2013) USC (2013)

Pros: Gets good depth in protection, drives well in run blocking. Understands angles and can seal the edge in run blocking. Collapse his man inside to open up cut back. Really really good at turning his man to seal off the edge in the run game. Going to work great in a zone blocking scheme. Just doesn’t give an inch in pass protection. Quickly recovered when beaten off snap from Trent Murphy.
Cons: Will struggle with elite speed rushers if stays at tackle. Only speed rushers will give him trouble, don’t see elite quickness off the snap. Never saw him pull or get out in space. Did not see him block to the 2nd level except rarely on sweeps. He was beaten a couple of times with a good swim move, Martin dropped his head.

Senior Bowl: With a number of big names opting to decline their invitations, some due to injury and some by choice, Notre Dame OT Zack Martin entered the week as one of the top prospects in this years game. It’s still very early but so far Martin has lived up to that billing. A four-year starter on the blindside for the Fighting Irish, Martin doesn’t necessarily look the part of a stud left tackle prospect but as they say looks can be deceiving. Martin checked in at 6-4⅛ and 305 pounds with 32¼-inch arms, 9¾-inch hands and a 76⅞-inch wingspan. On the face those aren’t eye-popping numbers and the relatively short arms are of particular concern. With that said it’s important to remember that just last year Justin Pugh was selected in the Top 20 overall with eerily similar measurables. Many feel Martin may fit best at right tackle or perhaps even kick inside to guard at the next level but so far he has more than held his own on the left side and excelled against top competition such as Stanford DE Trent Murphy. If Martin continues to perform well the rest of the way it will no longer be a question of if he’s a first rounder but rather how early he might come off the board in round one. While Martin may not have the prototypical physical tools that you look for at the position. Notre Dame OT Zack Martin, Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman and Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald were standouts yesterday and all three continued to put on a show in Mobile. In fact, Martin is arguably the best player in attendance and could very well be the first 2014 Senior Bowl participant selected on Draft Day. By now it almost goes without saying but Notre Dame OT Zack Martin and Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald continue to shine. Martin actually got some work inside at offensive guard today which set up a highly-anticipated showdown with Donald. In that head-to-head matchup between two of this weeks most dominant performers it was Martin who was finally able to slow down Donald. Solid, Solid, solid! That’s the best way for me to describe my opinion of the work of OT/ZACK MARTIN/Notre Dame this week. He may not be perfect in his movement, but he never seems to get really beaten by a defender. He is tenacious and fights to and thru the whistle. He’s effective against bigger guys, and he’s effective against faster guys. There is concern about his lack of ideal height, at 6’4, as well as his weight at 305. He also has just average arm length, but 32 ½” arm length does not scare me. I see no reason he cannot be an effective OT in the NFL. But I also think he could easily slide inside and be a starter at OG as well. He displays economy of motion, and I do not see a glaring flaw in any of his work this week. Solid! Interesting day for Notre Dame G/T Zach Martin, who came into Mobile as one of the fastest risers on the board despite being somewhat undersized with real short arms for an OT. What Martin has been able to do this week though is show that he is a fine technician who moves his feet well and can lock when he makes good initial contact. However, there were several pass block situations today where Martin wasn’t able to close down the edge off the snap and appeared to lack the length to regain the advantage.

Summary: Steady and consistent, two words would best describe Martin. I would not say he is dominating but he will neutralize his man regardless if in pass protection or blocking in the run game. He fits best in a zone blocking scheme as his feet are very good and since he is not a mauler. I did not observe him having to block in space so difficult to project him at left guard. I like him best as a right tackle zone blocking scheme. He is a 1st round pick.

ROUND 2 (#34 OVERALL)
Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State #8

Game Film Evaluated: Wyoming (2013) B.Y.U. (2013)

Pros: Good burst off the snap, has a good inside move on running plays to cross blockers face. Closes extremely fast on the QB. Able to set the edge on run plays, falling off the block and making the play.
Cons: Not good at locating the ball, taking proper angles to the back. Don’t see a guy who can change directions with speed or making himself skinny to shoot gaps. Questionable ability to beat a solid tackle.
Summary: Not elite any area, a good player who’s effective vs the run and being aggressive up the field. Has skills to warrant Day II selection but doesn’t consistently show them off on film. Lawrence is a 3rd round pick in my opinion.

ROUND 4 (119TH OVERALL)
Anthony Hitchens, LB, Iowa


I had a 6th round grade on Hitchens and was the 3d best LB prospect from Iowa in this class. He is a finesse linebacker who doesn't attack the action, he shows some quickness when he doesn't have any traffic to get through. He has the capability to strike some ball carriers but his aggressivness and striking ability doesn't come up nearly often enough. What does come up is too slow to the action, slow to react, slow to disengage from blocks and can't make plays to the sideline with any lateral quickness. Just looks like a good college LB who does not project well to the next level especially one that favors speed and aggressiveness. Not a fan of the pick but best of luck to the player.

ROUND 5 (146TH OVERALL)
Devin Street, WR, Pittsburgh

I had a 4th round grade on Street, we kept hearing leading up to the draft how deep this class was especially at wide receiver. It was frustrating to think that Dallas would use a pick on a receiver instead of focusing strictly on upgrading the defense. However you cannot pass up great value and I loved this pick. He gives them ideal depth at receiver with now 3 receivers who can line up on the outside and 2 slot exclusive receivers to fill out their depth chart. Unlike Miles Austin, Street will have to play special teams in addition to being a receiver to make the team out of camp but signs are good. Street can stretch a team deep but he isn't a burner, he can run good routes deep, middle and short underneath as well. He catches the ball well with his hands so Street projects well to provide good depth and very budget friendly.

ROUND 7 (231ST OVERALL)
Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford

I did not evaluate Garnder prior to the draft, he was not on my top 100 board. I have since watched two of his games and Gardner is an impressive lineman from the 7th round. He is a good high effort player, has some quickness and ability to keep working to the QB. Makes himself skinny to shoot the gaps especially when he lines up at tackle on passing downs. The defensive end position is getting crowded but Dallas wants to at least three deep with quality players at every position on the lines heading into camp. Gardner looks like he can be a rotational high effort lineman who can make the team as the last defensive end off the bench, he's going to have to play every special teams unit and make a few sacks in the preseason to make the team.

ROUND 7 (238TH OVERALL)
Will Smith, OLB, Texas Tech

Will Smith is a good athlete, runs well, attacks the action at Tech and seems to be able to handle himself in coverage. Projects to be a Will backer giving competition to Bruce Carter for that job and I think this opens Smith up to getting playing time on defense in 2014. He could be the athletic weakside backer that Ernie Sims filled last year at a far bigger discount which is important.

ROUND 7 (248TH OVERALL)
Ahmad Dixon, Baylor, #6

Game Film Evaluated: TCU (2013) Kansas State (2013) Texas Tech (2013)

Pros: Capable of making an INT, undercutting a route. Strong burst to close. Easily a violent tackler and capable of being a real authority from the safety position.
Cons: Took false steps to diagnose play. Striker, doesn’t follow through with his legs. Squats on routes, extremely vulnerable to double moves and playaction. Knucklehead, head hunter, victim of repeated targeting penalties. Undisciplined football player. Doesn’t drive through his tackles. Exposed on double moves for score, he was in a Cover 2 defense. Unsportsmanlike penalty.

Senior Bowl: For the most part defensive backs don’t stand out at a weigh-in but Washington St. S Deone Bucannon was an exception thanks to a chiseled 6-0⅞ and 216 pound frame. If Bucannon wasn’t the most feared safety in the country this past season that honor might go to Ahmad Dixon of Baylor, who earned a reputation for being borderline dirty due to his aggressive, hard-hitting style. That physical nature was on full display for both Bucannon and Dixon today but each struggled with coverage responsibilities. That isn’t necessarily a surprise but the NFL is undeniably a passing league and these days there isn’t a lot of room for defensive backs who are a liability in that aspect of the game. Dixon and Bucannon are two of the players jockeying for position behind Ha Ha Clinton-Dix of Alabama and Calvin Pryor of Louisville and whoever emerges from the pack and establishes themselves as the third safety in this class will likely find a home somewhere in the second round. There is still a long way to go but so far Dixon and Bucannon have shown that they are going to be a factor in that competition right to the very end and workouts (i.e. speed) may play a key role. Another S, Baylor’s AHMAD DIXON shows flashes and really likes to deliver the big heat. But I just get the sense that he tries to play that intimidator role a bit too much. At just under 6’ tall and 205 lbs. he’s likely to get hurt trying to be the tough guy.

Summary: Extremely physical and aggressive safety who can turn a game with his striking ability and poor coverage ability. He is a stupid football player. I will not draft Dixon under any circumstances due to undisciplined style of play and coverage liability. He will require a great deal of protection to keep out of deep and man coverage responsibility. His tight hips and over aggressiveness will work against him in Cover 2. 3rd Round ability but removed off the board.

ROUND 7 (251ST OVERALL)
Ken Bishop, DT, Northern Illinois

I had a late 4th round grade on Bishop, he was my #2 sleeper defensive tackle prospect behind Caraun Reid from Princeton who went in the 5th round to the Lions. He is a extremely talented man with size, quickness, effort and some tools to be a player in the pros. He isn't very tall standing at little over 6'0" and weighing just over 300 pounds so 3-4 teams were not interested due to the lack of height. He's a good football player and would be shocked if he's not a quality rotational interior lineman who can be an upgrade over Nick Hayden. I think the Cowboys hit one here in the 7th round with Bishop.

ROUND 7 (254TH OVERALL)
Terrance Mitchell, CB from Oregon

I did not have any notes on Mitchell prior to the draft but Mitchell has some skills and plays a great deal faster with a burst to close on the receiver on tape. There is some upside and reports suggest he was a 5th round player that just fell almost undrafted. He will battle BW Webb for the dime corner job in Dallas.

Final Summary: The Cowboys needed help on defense, they got it with DeMarcus Lawrence to give them something on the pass rush from the edge which they didn't have prior to the draft. I am not believing that Hitchens can give this team depth behind Sean Lee at the mike and have him take over the job when Lee goes down hurt again. That pick seems to have been a waste and would of been far better to take Telvin Smith to battle Carter for the job and confident Smith would of won it. I also wanted Pierre Desir from Lindenwood who went 8 picks after Hitchens. Instead Dallas will again look internally to fill in the ranks on defense hoping that Lawrence gives them a big time pass rush at end, allow Tyrone Crawford, Ben Bass & newcomer Henry Melton refuel this defensive line to be at least average this season.

So many question marks remain, I think they significantly upgraded their depth but sure would of liked one more starter that could of been acquired had they not traded up for Lawrence or wasted a pick on a backup in the 4th round.

Cowboys Draft Zach Martin from Notre Dame in 1st Round

Zach Martin, Notre Dame, #70

Game Film Evaluated:
Stanford (2013)
USC (2013)

Pros: Gets good depth in protection, drives well in run blocking. Understands angles and can seal the edge in run blocking. Collapse his man inside to open up cut back. Really really good at turning his man to seal off the edge in the run game. Going to work great in a zone blocking scheme. Just doesn’t give an inch in pass protection. Quickly recovered when beaten off snap from Trent Murphy.
Cons: Will struggle with elite speed rushers if stays at tackle. Only speed rushers will give him trouble, don’t see elite quickness off the snap. Never saw him pull or get out in space. Did not see him block to the 2nd level except rarely on sweeps. He was beaten a couple of times with a good swim move, Martin dropped his head.

Senior Bowl: With a number of big names opting to decline their invitations, some due to injury and some by choice, Notre Dame OT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OT/Zack-Martin.php" \t "blank"Zack Martin entered the week as one of the top prospects in this years game. It’s still very early but so far Martin has lived up to that billing. A four-year starter on the blindside for the Fighting Irish, Martin doesn’t necessarily look the part of a stud left tackle prospect but as they say looks can be deceiving. Martin checked in at 6-4⅛ and 305 pounds with 32¼-inch arms, 9¾-inch hands and a 76⅞-inch wingspan. On the face those aren’t eye-popping numbers and the relatively short arms are of particular concern. With that said it’s important to remember that just last year Justin Pugh was selected in the Top 20 overall with eerily similar measurables. Many feel Martin may fit best at right tackle or perhaps even kick inside to guard at the next level but so far he has more than held his own on the left side and excelled against top competition such as Stanford DE Trent Murphy. If Martin continues to perform well the rest of the way it will no longer be a question of if he’s a first rounder but rather how early he might come off the board in round one. While Martin may not have the prototypical physical tools that you look for at the position. Notre Dame OT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OT/Zack-Martin.php" \t "blank"Zack Martin, Minnesota DT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/DT/RaShede-Hageman.php" \t "blank"Ra'Shede Hageman and Pittsburgh DT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/DT/Aaron-Donald.php" \t "blank"Aaron Donald were standouts yesterday and all three continued to put on a show in Mobile. In fact, Martin is arguably the best player in attendance and could very well be the first 2014 Senior Bowl participant selected on Draft Day. By now it almost goes without saying but Notre Dame OT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OT/Zack-Martin.php" \t "blank"Zack Martin and Pittsburgh DT HYPERLINK "http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/DT/Aaron-Donald.php" \t "blank"Aaron Donald continue to shine. Martin actually got some work inside at offensive guard today which set up a highly-anticipated showdown with Donald. In that head-to-head matchup between two of this weeks most dominant performers it was Martin who was finally able to slow down Donald. Solid, Solid, solid! That’s the best way for me to describe my opinion of the work of OT/ZACK MARTIN/Notre Dame this week. He may not be perfect in his movement, but he never seems to get really beaten by a defender. He is tenacious and fights to and thru the whistle. He’s effective against bigger guys, and he’s effective against faster guys. There is concern about his lack of ideal height, at 6’4, as well as his weight at 305. He also has just average arm length, but 32 ½” arm length does not scare me. I see no reason he cannot be an effective OT in the NFL. But I also think he could easily slide inside and be a starter at OG as well. He displays economy of motion, and I do not see a glaring flaw in any of his work this week. Solid! Interesting day for Notre Dame G/T Zach Martin, who came into Mobile as one of the fastest risers on the board despite being somewhat undersized with real short arms for an OT. What Martin has been able to do this week though is show that he is a fine technician who moves his feet well and can lock when he makes good initial contact. However, there were several pass block situations today where Martin wasn’t able to close down the edge off the snap and appeared to lack the length to regain the advantage.

Summary: Steady and consistent, two words would best describe Martin. I would not say he is dominating but he will neutralize his man regardless if in pass protection or blocking in the run game. He fits best in a zone blocking scheme as his feet are very good and since he is not a mauler. I did not observe him having to block in space so difficult to project him at left guard. I like him best as a right tackle zone blocking scheme. He is a 1st round pick.

**Senior Bowl Reports from NFLDraftcountdown & GBN Draft Report**