2014 NFL Draft results: Zack Martin goes to Cowboys at No. 16
The Cowboys have selected versatile offensive lineman Zack Martin with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys have drafted Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin with the No. 16 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Martin was ranked No. 23 on SB Nation's top 200 big board, which placed him second among guards and fifth among all offensive linemen. He was below only Jake Matthews of Texas A&M, Greg Robinson of Auburn, Taylor Lewan of Michigan and Xavier Su'a-Filo of UCLA.
Martin was the starting left tackle for the Fighting Irish in 2010, playing in all 13 games. He went on to start every game through 2013, and was part of stellar offensive lines each season. With him at left tackle, the Irish went to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. That year, the Irish only allowed eight sacks, tied for second-best in FBS.
In our scouting report on Martin, Dan Kadar wrote about his pass-blocking ability:
Speed can give Martin trouble as he’s not the quickest moving to the outside. Where Martin looks good as a pass-blocker is when defenders try and make a move to the inside. Martin’s second step is quick and can seal off the inside rush lane in a hurry. He shows off a devastating punch at times. Martin has slightly shorter arms, so he’ll have some trouble keeping his hands on longer defensive players. Stanford’s Trent Murphy considers Martin the best blocker he’s ever faced.
Combine results
Height: 6’4
Weight: 308
Bench press: 29
Vertical jump: 28
Broad jump: 8’10
20-yard shuttle: 4.59
3-cone drill: 7.65
Martin didn’t run the 40-yard dash, but who needs offensive linemen to do that anyway? He was impressive in positional drills at both the combine and his pro day. The biggest question for Martin going forward is whether or not he’ll play tackle or guard at the NFL level -- he might be a better fit along the interior.
