Markelle Martin NFL Draft prospect notes

First word: While the Oklahoma State offense gets all the headlines, Martin has been the lynchpin of the defense. He’s often playing in center field relying on his instincts and quickness to make a play on the ball or ball carrier.
Martin has a way to go in the run game and isn’t the most sound of tacklers. But he can lay a hit really well and can be an intimidating force at times. He is far from an elite safety, but in a weak class he’s one of the better ones.

Notes:
- Despite not having over the top size, Martin is an intense hitter when he’s moving upfield. Still, Martin isn’t a technically sound tackler and is often dragging the ball carrier down.
- If Martin wants to hold up better against the run, he needs a to get much stronger.
- Is used in pass coverage much more than against the run so Martin is usually Oklahoma State’s last line of defense.
- Is much better than most defensive backs at this stage at reading the quarterback’s eyes.
- Shows good instincts and quickness to break on the ball when is in the air. Martin looks to have loose hips that he can flip open to change direction with hesitation.
- Martin should test really well in the postseason, especially in speed and agility drills.
- Had some academic issues early in his career that caused him to miss the Fiesta Bowl in 2008.