Practice Squad RT

[defiantgiant]

So I went looking around and I found the Sports Illustrated scouting report on James Marten, the tackle we just signed off the practice squad:

POSITIVES: Nice-sized small-area blocker who works best on the strong side. Patient, plays with good pad level and gets after assignments. Strong at the point, controls opponents and effectively uses his hands.

 

NEGATIVES: Struggles to adjust, lacks lateral blocking range and playing balance. Not effective in motion.

 

ANALYSIS: A good-sized blocker who plays with a nasty attitude, Martin is a multi-dimensional lineman with better-than-average potential for the next level. Best in confined quarters at guard, yet also will get consideration as a right tackle.

 

And from War Room Report:

Strengths: As was stated in previous scouting reports, the War Room Report are big fans of offensive lineman who hail from the collegiate offensive line powerhouse that is Boston College. James Marten, is no exception to the rule. James Marten is another in the long line of BC players who play with great awareness and who are very intelligent football players. James Marten possesses excellent size for an offensive tackle prospect and has surprisingly above average athleticism for a prospect of his stature. He has all the tools that scouts look for in an offensive lineman, he has long arms, quick feet, and uses his hands exceptionally.

 

Weaknesses:

James Marten is listed at just a bit over 6’7 and sometimes his height becomes a problem for him as he gets pushed back due to poor leverage technique. He needs coaching on the fundamentals of the position and could struggle initially against the quicker pass rushers like a Dwight Freeney or Julius Peppers. James Marten will be a better run blocker than a pass protector early on in his career.

 

Also I found some reports from Cowboys beat writers - the consensus seemed to be that Marten looked pretty good at tackle, but he couldn't get on the active roster because Doug Free from NIU was a surprise hit (he's now their starting RT,) and Dallas' other active backup had to be able to play both guard and center, whereas Marten only plays tackle and guard. I imagine there are a lot of tackles in the league who wouldn't have been able to get playing time over Flozell, Colombo, and Free (who's playing at least as well as Colombo on the right side.)

 

Dallas then moved Marten from tackle to guard full-time, presumably so he could have a better chance at some playing time, but it sounds like his build (6'8" 310 pounds) was a problem at guard. According to one of the Dallas beat writers, Marten couldn't hold up at the point of attack as an interior lineman. My two cents: there's a reason you don't see any guards that tall in the NFL. Marten even said prior to the draft that he's more comfortable playing in space than in a phone booth, and that he thinks he's naturally a better fit at tackle than guard.

 

I'm not trying to get my hopes up here, but this guy was an excellent player in college (where he lined up next to Beekman) has no major injuries, no work ethic problems, high football IQ, and a good skillset for RT. He's not as versatile as he was advertised to be (he played every line spot but center at BC) but if he can stick at right tackle and take over for Shaffer some time next season, that would be HUGE for this team.

[defiantgiant]

One other pre-draft scouting report, this one from ESPN:

Scouts’ Grade: 79

 

Strengths: Plays with a mean streak, works to the whistle and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Gets adequate hand placement, has decent upper body strength and can lock onto defender’s frame. Plays with a wide base and shows good balance as a run blocker. Takes sound angles to blocks, shows good range for size and can get into position at the second level. Has long arms, moves feet well and can ride defenders past the pocket. Possesses good lateral mobility, can change directions quickly and flashes the ability to counter double moves. Shows good awareness, keeps head on a swivel and can adjust to line stunts as well as blitzes. Possesses good size and has the frame to comfortably get bigger. Has experience lining up at guard and is somewhat versatile.

 

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal explosiveness and has some problems beating defenders to the point of attack. Doesn’t deliver a violent initial punch, doesn’t roll hips into blocks and isn’t going to knock many defenders back. While flashes good lower body strength doesn’t play with great leverage and isn’t a great drive-blocker at this point. Takes too long to get into pass set and is going to have problems preventing explosive edge rushers from turning the corner. Though flashes ability to anchor against bull rushers doesn’t get great knee bend in pass set and can get pushed back into the pocket.

 

Overall: Marten arrived at Boston College in 2002 and was redshirted. As a redshirt freshman in 2003, he appeared in all 13 games while backing up Jeremy Trueblood, and started the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl at right tackle. Marten became a fulltime starter in 2004 at left guard for all 12 games that season. In 2005, he once again started all 12 contests at left guard. Marten then moved to left tackle for the 2006 season, where he started all 13 games, earning second-team All-ACC honors.

 

Marten doesn’t dominate the point of attack and one-gap defenders will give him some problems. On the positive side, Marten has enough physical tools to develop into a starter, including an excellent frame and above-average athletic ability for his height. That’s why we believe Marten is underrated and warrants consideration on Day 1.