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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000488254/article/redrafting-the-2014-offensive-line-class
Future Stars
1. Zack Martin, G, Dallas Cowboys
When I got to Martin's Week 5 game against theTexans -- one of the matchups I was most excited to watch in-depth from his 2014 campaign -- I was a bit nervous that my appreciation for the Dallas guard was a product of media hype. Initially, his downfield blocking was erratic and, on the opening drive, I watched him bumble his way through a busted screen (no offensive lineman fails gracefully, unfortunately). But as the tape wore on, the attributes I have come to admire about Martin shined. The first step has a certain fearlessness to it, even against Watt. Yet, his center of gravity is such that he's not allowing himself to make mistakes or get caught off balance. I was impressed especially with his eyes downfield. After his initial block, his ability to identify potential targets is instantaneous, but not without thought. His billing as one of the more cerebral guards in the draft made plenty of sense.
This is a little thing I saw that may or may not mean anything, but against Houston -- a team that consistently shifts their fronts and moves Watt around to find the best potential matchup -- Martin never took a snap without a physical conformation from Travis Frederick that they were on the same page. He did it in a few other games as well. Itâs a small thing but it gave me the sense that the game wasnât too big or hectic for him.
On the season, Pro Football Focus credited him with one sack, a good start for a player not lined up right next to Tyron Smith.
One last observation: In a Week 9 matchup against Arizona, Dallas' opening script included plays that were: 1. A run directly off Martin's right hip, 2. Off to the left side on a run play that required a key backside block by Martin and 3. A play-action that was designed off a cut back that would have bounced off Martin's right hip (I think). If I'm a casual observer, is that not a huge vote of confidence from a very good offensive line coach?
Picking Martin as my No. 1 lineman is such a safe bet, though. He will star at two positions in his lifetime and, at least for now, he'll play with a dominant offensive line that can wear opponents down. We may not know if he's a truly great player or not until Year 4 or Year 5.
Future Stars
1. Zack Martin, G, Dallas Cowboys
When I got to Martin's Week 5 game against theTexans -- one of the matchups I was most excited to watch in-depth from his 2014 campaign -- I was a bit nervous that my appreciation for the Dallas guard was a product of media hype. Initially, his downfield blocking was erratic and, on the opening drive, I watched him bumble his way through a busted screen (no offensive lineman fails gracefully, unfortunately). But as the tape wore on, the attributes I have come to admire about Martin shined. The first step has a certain fearlessness to it, even against Watt. Yet, his center of gravity is such that he's not allowing himself to make mistakes or get caught off balance. I was impressed especially with his eyes downfield. After his initial block, his ability to identify potential targets is instantaneous, but not without thought. His billing as one of the more cerebral guards in the draft made plenty of sense.
This is a little thing I saw that may or may not mean anything, but against Houston -- a team that consistently shifts their fronts and moves Watt around to find the best potential matchup -- Martin never took a snap without a physical conformation from Travis Frederick that they were on the same page. He did it in a few other games as well. Itâs a small thing but it gave me the sense that the game wasnât too big or hectic for him.
On the season, Pro Football Focus credited him with one sack, a good start for a player not lined up right next to Tyron Smith.
One last observation: In a Week 9 matchup against Arizona, Dallas' opening script included plays that were: 1. A run directly off Martin's right hip, 2. Off to the left side on a run play that required a key backside block by Martin and 3. A play-action that was designed off a cut back that would have bounced off Martin's right hip (I think). If I'm a casual observer, is that not a huge vote of confidence from a very good offensive line coach?
Picking Martin as my No. 1 lineman is such a safe bet, though. He will star at two positions in his lifetime and, at least for now, he'll play with a dominant offensive line that can wear opponents down. We may not know if he's a truly great player or not until Year 4 or Year 5.
