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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Over the past five seasons, Martin was a tough defender for the Illini. He broke out as a freshman with 42 tackles, three interceptions and three passes batted while starting eight games. Martin was not as big of a presence in 2019 or 2020, making just seven starts in those two seasons and recording 23 and 38 tackles, respectively. In 2021 though, he had 54 tackles with an interception and seven passes defended. Martin took his game to another level in 2022, racking up three interceptions, 11 passes broken up, two forced fumbles, one sack and 64 tackles.
Martin has the ability to line up and cover slot receivers. His quickness, flexibility, and fluid athleticism allow him to line up at the line of scrimmage or pick them up in off-man coverage. Martin will be a real asset to his defense when going against dangerous slot receivers. In nickel, he is a capable cover corner to run the route and prevent separation. He shows good instincts to play the ball and is very active in the middle of the field.
Martin also is a skilled strong safety. He has the mentality of an aggressive defender who comes downhill and dishes out hard hits in the box or flat. With impressive speed, Martin closes ground in a hurry to cut down ball-carriers or wide receiver screens. Martin quickly covers a ton of ground in zone coverage and is very fluid in space.
Martin was a good run defender in college, as his tackle totals suggest. He tackles well and does a nice job of weaving through blockers. He is also smart about how he brings down back by taking their legs out from underneath them. However, Martin is a little light, so he could have some issues with power backs at the next level. While is tough and aggressive, Martin’s build could lead to injuries in the NFL.
For the pros, Martin looks like a starting nickel corner who could play safety in the base defense. Teams are in nickel at least 70 percent of their snaps, and sometimes they play nickel the entire game. Martin will give his pro defense nice flexibility with his ability to play safety and slot corner.
Teams could consider selecting Marting in the back half of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He probably won’t get out of Round 2.
Player Comparison: Jimmie Ward. Injuries held back Ward (5-11, 193) early in his NFL career, but when healthy, he has been a quality safety and nickel corner for San Francisco. Martin is almost identical in size to Ward. While Ward was a safety/corner tweener, Martin is a true safety who can play nickel as well. In the NFL, Martin could be a similar defender to Ward.
RELATED LINKS:
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
