2 rd mock

[sreylas937]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft--two-round-mock-draft-projects-trades-up-for-manziel--bridgewater-150816353.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

 

59. Indianapolis Colts — USC C-OG Marcus Martin

Martin would be a huge upgrade over Khaled Holmes (his former college teammate) or Hugh Thornton at either guard or center, and with the recent (and sudden) retirement of Phil Costa, the depth inside is painfully thin.

[BProland85]

NOOOOOOOOO!!! No reason to draft another rookie center.

[Superman]

Why do people think Marcus Martin is a better pro prospect than Khaled Holmes? Holmes was a second round prospect who dropped to the fourth because of nagging injuries. He wasn't a power blocker, but in the past year, he's gotten a little bigger and (presumably) stronger. Very heady player, with the mental capacity to pick things up quickly and make adjustments, and knows when and how to help his teammates after the play starts. He has good feet to get to the second level and move laterally, and he finishes well. Has leadership qualities. Good hands, arms, and technical ability.

 

Martin is a potentially more powerful blocker, but not as sharp and polished from a technical standpoint. His power and athleticism get used against him from time to time because of the lacking technique. He struggles picking up pressures and knowing when to help his teammates. Though he's powerful, he doesn't have good hand punch, and he doesn't finish consistently. He's dropped from a late first round prospect to probably a third round prospect in about a month. He also has some injury concerns. Don't get me wrong, he's a great prospect, and whoever gets him will be getting a promising young player. But the idea that he would be an upgrade over Holmes is mistaken, IMO. 

 

They are rated similarly coming out, though for different reasons. They would be considered a push if they were in the same draft, with Martin maybe having more upside, but Holmes being more pro-ready and technically proficient. But they're NOT in the same draft. Holmes has had a year to work on his body, study with a pro offense, and even got a little bit of playing time. This offseason has been spent preparing himself physically, and he's already working with his teammates on conditioning and in the classroom. Meanwhile, Martin is doing nonsense workouts for teams as he gets ready for the draft, not studying a playbook, not developing chemistry with his quarterback, etc. It's very, very silly to consider Martin to be a better option for us in 2014.

[Nobody]

Why do people think Marcus Martin is a better pro prospect than Khaled Holmes? Holmes was a second round prospect who dropped to the fourth because of nagging injuries. He wasn't a power blocker, but in the past year, he's gotten a little bigger and (presumably) stronger. Very heady player, with the mental capacity to pick things up quickly and make adjustments, and knows when and how to help his teammates after the play starts. He has good feet to get to the second level and move laterally, and he finishes well. Has leadership qualities. Good hands, arms, and technical ability.

Martin is a potentially more powerful blocker, but not as sharp and polished from a technical standpoint. His power and athleticism get used against him from time to time because of the lacking technique. He struggles picking up pressures and knowing when to help his teammates. Though he's powerful, he doesn't have good hand punch, and he doesn't finish consistently. He's dropped from a late first round prospect to probably a third round prospect in about a month. He also has some injury concerns. Don't get me wrong, he's a great prospect, and whoever gets him will be getting a promising young player. But the idea that he would be an upgrade over Holmes is mistaken, IMO.

They are rated similarly coming out, though for different reasons. They would be considered a push if they were in the same draft, with Martin maybe having more upside, but Holmes being more pro-ready and technically proficient. But they're NOT in the same draft. Holmes has had a year to work on his body, study with a pro offense, and even got a little bit of playing time. This offseason has been spent preparing himself physically, and he's already working with his teammates on conditioning and in the classroom. Meanwhile, Martin is doing nonsense workouts for teams as he gets ready for the draft, not studying a playbook, not developing chemistry with his quarterback, etc. It's very, very silly to consider Martin to be a better option for us in 2014.

Martin is stronger and more athletic, which is why he's about Weston Richburg when I believe WR to be the better player.

[akcolt]

If we take a C  in the draft my head will explode. We may go O Line someone should look at the % of starting C's in the NFL who are UDFA and you guys want to draft one in back to back drafts? There is no reason to take a C. If Holmes can't do it go get Goodwin or Kyle Cook either would be better than a rookie.

[HtownColt]

Taking a back up center in the 2nd round is just asinine

[Archer]

The analysis is asinine, but I wouldn't be devistated by the pick.  I certainly have back-up OG as one of the three big needs in this draft.  And reading his scouting report, he played a lot more LG than center at USC.  He would be a good option to be a versitile back-up OL this year, and start at some interior spot next year.  I would definitely select Terrence Brooks given the players available, but I wouldn't be too upset with Martin...provided he's not made an instant option at center (that job should be Holmes'.)

[Gavin]

Yeah...Backup Center in the 2nd round? No thanks, Not a mauler and NOT as mobile as Holmes

[throwing BBZ]

Why do people think Marcus Martin is a better pro prospect than Khaled Holmes? Holmes was a second round prospect who dropped to the fourth because of nagging injuries. He wasn't a power blocker, but in the past year, he's gotten a little bigger and (presumably) stronger. Very heady player, with the mental capacity to pick things up quickly and make adjustments, and knows when and how to help his teammates after the play starts. He has good feet to get to the second level and move laterally, and he finishes well. Has leadership qualities. Good hands, arms, and technical ability.

 

Martin is a potentially more powerful blocker, but not as sharp and polished from a technical standpoint. His power and athleticism get used against him from time to time because of the lacking technique. He struggles picking up pressures and knowing when to help his teammates. Though he's powerful, he doesn't have good hand punch, and he doesn't finish consistently. He's dropped from a late first round prospect to probably a third round prospect in about a month. He also has some injury concerns. Don't get me wrong, he's a great prospect, and whoever gets him will be getting a promising young player. But the idea that he would be an upgrade over Holmes is mistaken, IMO. 

 

They are rated similarly coming out, though for different reasons. They would be considered a push if they were in the same draft, with Martin maybe having more upside, but Holmes being more pro-ready and technically proficient. But they're NOT in the same draft. Holmes has had a year to work on his body, study with a pro offense, and even got a little bit of playing time. This offseason has been spent preparing himself physically, and he's already working with his teammates on conditioning and in the classroom. Meanwhile, Martin is doing nonsense workouts for teams as he gets ready for the draft, not studying a playbook, not developing chemistry with his quarterback, etc. It's very, very silly to consider Martin to be a better option for us in 2014.

 

 Excellent post Superman. Pagano went and looked at him personally. IMO because they feel strongly that Holmes can also be a VG Starting Guard.

 Martin has been considered to be a VG Center prospect, with the ability to be a good guard also.

 That kind of versatilty is a real value. The same reason (UGH) Grigson signed Satele & McGlynn.

 

  Keeping the center position strong & Deep in case of injury is Sound.

  Martin would work hard at both positions as a Rookie, readying himself for next man up and to become a future starter. 

 

  Can only LAUGH at those that think this guy is projected as a BACKUP quality guy.

[Superman]

 Excellent post Superman. Pagano went and looked at him personally. IMO because they feel strongly that Holmes can also be a VG Starting Guard.

 Martin has been considered to be a VG Center prospect, with the ability to be a good guard also.

 That kind of versatilty is a real value. The same reason (UGH) Grigson signed Satele & McGlynn.

 

  Keeping the center position strong & Deep in case of injury is Sound.

  Martin would work hard at both positions as a Rookie, readying himself for next man up and to become a future starter. 

 

  Can only LAUGH at those that think this guy is projected as a BACKUP quality guy.

 

Well if we do draft Martin, either he or Holmes has to play guard. Makes no sense to spend back to back picks on college centers and then stick them on the bench, never to play.

[Track Guy]

I would love to see O-line addressed in the draft but I wouldn't go for a C. If Richburg was there at 59 and we took him I'd be okay with that, but it also depends on who else is available.

 

If Joel Bitonio or Gabe Jackson were still available at 59, I think that'd warrant serious consideration to pull the trigger. Those guys could push for a starting position, they're pretty battle ready which you prefer when selecting at 59. Bitonio has good versatility and can play almost any position on the line and I like that Jackson is both good in short yardage push situations and can pass protect.

 

I probably wouldn't draft Marcus Martin at 59, but then again I don't have the inside scouting info on him. Many on the forum believe 59 has to be used on a safety. I'm not of that opinion and I think O-line and corner are just as valid moves to make on our roster. But it all depends on who is still available at 59. 

[Dustin]

Rather have Richburg.

[NewColtsFan]

I think Martin is the best Center, but if not him, the Center I like next most is Bodine, from North Carolina.

 

Props to Gavin for finding him.    I think he's a 4th round guy.    He'd be my choice.

 

I'm not very fond of 295 pound centers from smaller schools.

[Gavin]

My two favorite Centers are Bodine and Bryan Stork

[NewColtsFan]

I don't want a center with our 2nd or 3rd round pick.    I don't believe that player would do much more than be on FG and Xtra point teams.

 

But, I'd be OK with spending our 5 or 6 on Center....   I'd be fine with that....  especially if he has guard versatility.    Or a guard who can play center.   I'd be good with that too.

 

Adding quality depth to the interior OL is a good thing and a needed thing....

[Superman]

I don't want a center with our 2nd or 3rd round pick.    I don't believe that player would do much more than be on FG and Xtra point teams.

 

But, I'd be OK with spending our 5 or 6 on Center....   I'd be fine with that....  especially if he has guard versatility.    Or a guard who can play center.   I'd be good with that too.

 

Adding quality depth to the interior OL is a good thing and a needed thing....

 

In the "guard who can play center in late rounds" category, I like John Urschel from Penn State. Should be a late 7th rounder. Not a great athlete, but he's got strength and power, and he's hard to move in pass protection. Smart, too. Has his Masters in mathematics, carried a 4.0, actually taught a math class in his spare time. He'll probably wind up in Houston with Bill O'Brien.