2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Big Ten Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Nebraska – Adrian Martinez, Quarterback, Junior
A team captain as a sophomore during the 2019 season, Adrian Martinez could fit the bill in the 2021 NFL Draft for a team looking for a dual-threat option under center. The Eagles showed that this season taking Jalen Hurts to back up Carson Wentz. Martinez could fill a similar role in the near future.
Through the air, Martinez took a bit of a step back last season, seeing his passing yards drop from 2,617 to 1,956 while his touchdowns dropped from 17 to 10, and interceptions raised from eight to nine. Hopefully, this was just a sophomore slump. If Martinez can return to his 2018 form, then his draft stock could rebound.
What he has going for him, maybe even more than his passing game is his ability to rush the ball. On 144 rushes, Martinez gained 626 rushing yards with seven touchdowns. That alone gives him value in the draft as someone that can have packages made up for him.
Martinez still has a long way to go before he is NFL ready, but the framework is there. With two seasons of eligibility left, he has plenty of time to work on the rough spots of his game and get to the level of a Jalen Hurts-type pick.