clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Ravens Draft Tracker: Jonathan Martin

Getty Images

According to a story on CBSSports.com, Jonathan Martin turned down the opportunity to be the first fourth-generation African-American Harvard student in history to instead become a scholar-athlete at Stanford.

So for the last three years his parents, both Harvard grads, watched him do something he only could have done at Stanford -- protect the blind side of quarterback Andrew Luck.

He did so well enough to accomplish something else he probably couldn't have managed as Harvard -- be considered as a first-round draft choice. Not all scouts agree that Martin has the natural strength to be highly successful as an NFL pass protector, but he did manage to get the job done in Stanford's pro-style offense.

He seemed more comfortable as a run blocker, but that is not unusual. Some scouts believe that Stanford's zone blocking scheme helped Martin maximize his results and that he will need more strength to battle the behemoths he will encounter in the NFL.

That concern was amplified when, after not working out at the NFL Scouting Combine, Martin managed only 20 reps on the bench with 225 pounds at Stanford's pro day. He does flash some attitude on the field, but is far from a bully. Martin was named first team All-Pac-10 in 2010 and first-team All Pac-12 in 2011.

And there is still a chance he will attend Harvard some day, to get a legal degree.

(See more on Martin, including CBSSports.com's analysis, after the 'Jump')

Here is analysis on Martin from cbssports.com:

Pass blocking: Athletic left tackle with natural bend, lateral agility and quick feet. Plays with a wide base to stand up against a strong punch. Anchors vs. bull rush, although stronger rushers get under his pads when he is not aggressive with his punch and hand placement. Takes defenders to the ground when they try to duck and bend around the edge. Easily helps inside to shut off blitz pressure. Can reset his hands and move laterally to mirror defenders, but occasionally stops his feet and reaches, allowing defenders to get around him with hands and quickness.

Run blocking: Positional blocker with good feet and lateral agility to wall off defensive ends. Blocks through the whistle and pushes the pile. Moves to strong-side tight end on occasion to seal the edge on run plays. Has only average strength to move defenders in the trenches and loses leverage battle in short-yardage.

Pulling/trapping: Does not trap inside often, but pulled around end on occasion. Lacks foot speed and consistency in sustaining to be special as a move blocker.

Initial Quickness: Very good quickness off the line as a run blocker and in pass protection. Anticipates the snap as well as any college tackle, gets into his pass set quickly and moves out of his stance to pull.

Downfield: Adequate straight-line speed for the position, but initial quickness and agility to make initial open-field blocks on outside runs and screens. Does not dominate or sustain open-field blocks; lacks foot quickness, leading to overextending to reach targets, and has average upper-body strength.

Intangibles: Above-average football smarts and general intelligence. Plays with a nasty streak. Solid character and work ethic.