Draft Profile Series: Kareem Martin
- Updated: April 28, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Kareem Martin, DE, 6-6, 272, North Carolina
Key stats: Had 82 tackles, 21.5 for loss, 11.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2013.
Strengths: Martin has the perfect build for a defensive end. … He’s tall, has a frame that can add muscle, and he has long arms. … Has average quickness off the snap, but really closes when he beats blockers and has his sights set on the quarterback or running back. … Possesses timing and uses his length well in blocking passes. … When he plays with proper leverage, packs good punch and drive. … Hustles and runs down plays from the behind. … Has shown improvement throughout career.
Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger, especially in his lower body. … Doesn’t possess elite quickness. … Must improve repertoire while pass rushing. … Once he gets stopped, he doesn’t possess may counter moves. … Plays too high, both when rushing and while defending run. … At times gets bullied and pushed around, mostly due to poor leverage.
Conclusion: Martin is 4-3 defensive end, who lined up in several different spots along the line. I think he is perfect for the left side because he’s not a great at bending and flattening out to get around corners. … He has just about everything you’d want in a defensive end. … After Jadeveon Clowney, Martin should be mentioned along with several others as possibly the second best defensive end in this draft. … I give Martin a great chance at becoming a star, because I believe he still has room for improvement.
NFL comparison: Chandler Jones/Carlos Dunlap.
Draft projection: Late first or second round.
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