Player Profile: Zach Martin

Height:  6'4
Weight:  305
School:  Notre Dame
Position:  Offensive Tackle / Guard
Ranking:  #1 Guard
Projection:  Late 1st Round

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game for four years (52) all at left tackle
-Great size with the ability to add weight for the guard position
-Quick off the ball in pass protection
-Does a great job blocking when in a phone booth
-Has the upper body strength to redirect pass rushers
-Good footwork allows him to slide side to side and mirror pass rushers
-Able to sink hips and anchor down if getting pushed back
-Strong anchor that allows him to withstand a bull rush
-Does a good job of recognizing stunts and blitzes and adjusting
-Solid run blocker that understands leverage and how to use his body to seal of defenders
-Does show the ability to move defenders off the ball
-Shows the athletic ability to get to the next level in the run game
-Shows the potential to play multiple positions along the offensive line
-Will be able to play in either a man or zone blocking scheme
-Very Durable.  Hasn't missed a game or had any significant injury
-Leader.  Was a team captain for the Irish this past season.

Weaknesses
-Lacks ideal size for the left tackle position
-Short arms (32") will make it hard to stick at left tackle
-Struggles when he has to take deep drops in pass protection
-Speed rushers give him a problem
-Only an average athlete for the position
-Doesn't explode off the ball in the run game like you'd like

Summary
After a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Zach Martin's name is going to become very familiar.  And there are many reasons to see why.  Martin is all around offensive lineman who can hold up in both pass protection and the run game.  He is a technician when it comes to blocking and it's show with good technique and learned from all the experience he's had.  In the run game he would excel in a zone scheme, but still has the strength to do well in a man blocking scheme.  Martin does show the characteristics of being a left tackle in the NFL, but his lack of length and inability to drop deep into pass protection raise concerns.  Instead Martin is better suited to play guard where he excels in a phone booth and can use his strength to his advantage.  That was shown at the Senior Bowl where he was the only lineman to have success against DT Aaron Donald.  Now I wouldn't be surprised to see Martin has success at tackle, but he has the makings of an All Pro Guard.  Martin will likely go in the first round with a chance to play tackle.  A team like Miami could be all over him because of his position flexibility.