Tennessee Titans Select Mike Martin, DT, Michigan 2012 NFL Draft Grade

With the 82nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

Here is our report on Martin:

Pros:

He is functionally strong, plays with good leverage, and has a non-stop motor…tough and durable has shown that he  can be productive with injuries…does a good job of shooting gaps…tremendous strength…will get some looks at Nose tackle

Cons:

Not an elite athlete…doesn’t have great production…doesn’t have ideal arm length….lacks a great burst off the snap…takes himself out of some plays

Projected Round:

Round 2-3

Thoughts

Mike Martin is the kind of prospect that coaches love and scouts aren’t quite as high on. He is a high-motor strong character guy. Martin is a relentless worker who has good functional strength, but he lacks explosiveness in any facet of the game. He’s not big enough, long enough or strong enough to anchor consistently in the N.F.L. against bigger strong NFL offensive linemen. Martin can shoot the gap and can provide some pass rush. His best fit is in a 43 defense.

Bio

68 Mike Martin DT (Senior): Martin will likely be the first Michigan player selected in the draft next season.  He has been one of the few bright spots on woeful Wolverine defenses over the past few years.  Martin has consistently been around the ball, and is best suited for the 4-3 defense.  Kiper has him as the third best defensive tackle on his board next season, which will likely translate into a 2nd round pick.

Pick Grade: B+

I really like this pick for the Titans, who get a pass rushing DT who gives a ton of effort and can be a steal here in the third round. They continue to add depth to that defensive line.