Texans rookie profile: Center Nick Martin
Today we will continue our series of profiles on Houston’s rookies. Let’s take a closer look at second round pick Nick Martin of Notre Dame.
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Texans Rookie Profile: Center Nick Martin (6-4, 300)
The School
Notre Dame has an iconic football program. Just think Knute Rockne, Lou Holtz, “Rudy”, and Touchdown Jesus. The Fighting Irish have won eight national championships since 1936, however the most recent hasn’t come since 1988 under Lou Holtz. They’ve enjoyed a resurgence in recent years under head coach Brian Kelly. Since Kelly’s arrival in 2010, Notre Dame has averaged nine victories a year, including an appearance in the 2012 national championship game (loss to Alabama).
Nick Martin joined joins these six other Irish players to be selected in the draft: Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), Will Fuller (Texans), Jaylon Smith (Cowboys), KeiVarae Russell (Chiefs), C.J. Prosise (Seahawks), Sheldon Day (Jaguars).
The Pick and Draft Profile
Houston selected Martin in the second round with the 50th overall pick. In four years at Notre Dame, Martin’s participation was as follows, per und.com:
2012: saw action in all 13 games, primarily on special teams
2013: started first 11 games at center, but missed last two games with a knee injury
2014: started 10 games at guard and three games at center
2015: started all 13 games at center
*Martin was a team captain in 2014, as well as being on the Lombardi, Outland, and Rimington Award watch lists
Here is Martin’s draft profile per NFL.com:
Strengths: 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. Showed ability to anchor and play with strengths against power across from him. Usually first into defender after snap. Despite some hip stiffness, moves fairly well when asked to get out in front of screen plays.
Keeps head on a swivel at all times. Aware of both gaps when in pass protection and he’s uncovered. Plays with wide base in pass pro. Often first to get hands on pass rusher and will get some extension early in the rep. Gets the most out of average length. Team captain and unchallenged leader up front. Has started at guard and center while at Notre Dame so may offer roster flexibility.
Weaknesses: Looks labored in his movement. Stiffness in hips stymies ability to sink and anchor. Leads with upper body too often and plays with weight out over his feet. Needs to bring his feet up under him. Had issues redirecting with power against pass rushers who gained early advantage. Gets jostled around and has to work overtime to stay engaged against powerful players. Will struggle to reach and secure move blocks. Can improve with recognition of blitzes.
Combine Results:
5.22 forty
28 reps of 225 lbs.
Broad jump: 97 inches
3-cone: 7.57 seconds
The Fit
Houston lost Ben Jones to free agency and signed Tony Bergstrom to fill his shoes. Nothing is set in stone, but it’s very possible that Martin will actually be the starting center come week one. He played a lot of games in college and developed very strong fundamentals to go along with great football instincts.
Martin is the type of guy who can come in, command respect, and take control of the line. The Texans offensive line will be under the spotlight this year. They must protect Brock Osweiler and open up some holes for Lamar Miller. Nick Martin’s play could be a determining factor.
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