2014 NFL mock draft: Marcus Martin to Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 39

Jacksonville Jaguars GM David Caldwell is considered one of the bright young stars at his position in the NFL, praised for his shrewd personnel decisions in his year-plus on the job as he and head coach Gus Bradley look to put a winning program into place. One area he attempted to upgrade this offseason was center, where he signed Alex Mack to a lucrative offer sheet that the Cleveland Browns matched. Even with a need for a developmental quarterback and options available, Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country could see the Jaguars addressing the middle of their offensive line as early as Round 2.

“While a second-tier quarterback might make sense for the Jaguars in this spot, the way the draft has played out it’s likely one of those will be available in the third round. Instead, the Jaguars move to what they consider the third-most important position on offense in center. Longtime starter Brad Meester retired, so the Jaguars need a day one starter -- and Martin can provide that. Martin has some issues with consistency, but talent-wise and skill set he’s the best center in the draft. Martin has the strength to handle playing nose tackles straight up and the athleticism to play in the Jaguars’ zone blocking scheme.”

In the NFL Draft, fewer than 10 centers are usually picked. This year will be no exception. There is talent at center, especially at the top end. Because of that, we could see a team like Jacksonville here really go after the center it covets. In this case, it’s Martin. There’s a good argument that can be made for Martin as the top all-around center in the draft. Weston Richburg of Colorado State is considered the top technician at the position. Travis Swanson of Arkansas is the best power blocking center. Martin is a nice combination of the two. If Louis Nix of Notre Dame slides in the draft, as he did in this mock, he’s a sensible choice as well.