by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of WVU Athletics.
The NFL Draft talk never ends, and we are here at Draft 412 in an effort to keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars. From today until draft night 2024, we will bring you mocks, profiles, team needs, and everything else related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - West Virginia, DL/Edge , Sean Martin
Name- Sean Martin
Pos- DL/Edge
Team- West Virginia
HT/WT- 6’5” 291 lbs.
Born- N/A
Home – Bluefield, WV
Sean Martin played defensive end for Bluefield H.S. and accumulated over 100 tackles in both his junior and senior seasons. Martin also accumulated 15 sacks combined during those two seasons and was ranked the #1 prospect in West Virginia by both ESPN and Rivals. Martin was given a consensus 3-star rating by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports and was offered a scholarship by 18 teams but decided to stay closer to home and attend West Virginia.
In the 2020 Covid season, Martin saw special teams action in five games for the Mountaineers. The following season, Martin saw action in 13 games and played a total of 212 snaps on defense. He finished the season strong and ended up with 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.
During the 2021 season, Martin played in 12 games, 8 being starts. He got his first career sack against the Pitt Panthers and ended up with 4 sacks on the season. He was First Team Academic All-Big 12.
Martin is fluid off the snap and has a good mix of bend and flexibility to get underneath the blockers coming off the edge. When needed, Martin has a good spin move that he uses to beat blockers inside. He’s versatile on the defensive line and can be moved around to create matchup problems.
Martin never quits and plays straight through the whistle. He’s aggressive with his hands and uses them well to shed blocks on counter moves.
On the downside of his game, Martin needs to use his 6’5” frame with long arms to do more damage. His upper body strength can be improved, and he gets caught up at times against quality opponents. He lacks the top speed for a player coming around the edge and his angles on chasing backs need to be improved. He plays upright at times and needs better footwork.
Draft 412 sees a lot of similarities with former Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley. A 6’5” frame that has been used all over the defensive line. His versatility led to him being a 3rd round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.
Strengths
Good Size/ length
Versatility
Spin move
Non stop motor
Weaknesses
Footwork
Upper body strength
Use length more for advantage
Pursuit angles
Final Analysis
Sean Martin has the versatility that NFL coaches like to have in their stable of defensive linemen. He is still a little on the raw side but has the ceiling to expand his game.
Draft 412- DRAFT PROJECTION- 4th-5th round