Houston Texans 2016 Draft Report Card

Second Round – Pick #50

Nick Martin – C – Notre Dame

6’5” – 295

Grade: B+

The Texans once again in the 2nd round apparently heard footsteps as they traded this year’s 6th round pick to move up two spots to take Notre Dame Center Nick Martin.  Again, unless they have incredible information on teams behind them moving up, their guy was going to be there at pick 52, otherwise this pick is an A.

Nonetheless the Nick Martin selection was a solid value selection at a position of need.  Martin will be expected to start at Center if not right away, very soon in his career.  I don’t know that I see Pro Bowls in his future like his brother Zach Martin, but Nick is an experienced center and has played all positions on the O-line for the Irish and he’s likely a 10-year starter in this league.

Martin rarely got beat at Notre Dame with is more than we can say for his predecessor Ben Jones.  He has a solid base and, although average feet, he does get to the second level and it’s clear that he understands pad level and leverage.  By all accounts he’s a leader (team captain) and very intelligent, something that is important at the center position in the NFL.

Overall we like the pick because the Texans needed to add a potential starter on the offensive line and center was the biggest position of concern.  Greg Mancz and Tony Bergstrom will challenge Martin, but Bergstrom also has experience at guard and can challenge Xavier Su’aFilo as well or provide depth.  With only 7 offensive linemen sometimes suiting up on Sundays, flexibility of position is very important.

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