Upon further review: OLB Eric Martin, Nebraska

Upon further review: OLB Eric Martin, Nebraska

I can see him becoming an instant fan favorite


Eric Martin, Nebraska
Height: 6006
Weight: 237
Arm Length: 32 3/4
Hand Size: 9 7/8
40 time: 4.53
20: 2.59
10: 1.61
SS 20: 3.97
3 Cone: 6.69
Vert: 30 1/2
Broad: 10; 00"
Bench: 20

Eric is undersized for a defensive end at a mere 6'1, 245, that made a staggering racking up 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. Martin spent most of his first three years at Nebraska making a name for himself on special teams, where he was an enforcer. Delivering the big hit on kick coverage and kicking return teams. Martin was a fan favorite for his relentless and haphazard style of play. Nicknamed 'Caveman' for being well, primal, instinctual and having a violent demeanor on the field.


I just had to see it one more time. Love them Snot Bubble hits. Sorry i watched this hit over and over and see nothing wrong with it. What's wrong is how the media is helping kill this game. CLEAN HIT

Martin is a physical specimen that will be hard to place on the field. He should be the best special teams player on the field but might struggle at linebacker. His ability to grasp defensive concepts is the big question surrounding him. So coaches might need to keep his duties simple for now.


So Martin is a special teams beast that could see time in nickel packages to rush the passer or throwing him in at linebacker for some blitz work. He has work to do against the run. Emergency fullback has been mentioned in more than one write up.

CBS scouting

Strengths: Very good first step quickness and strong plant foot to dig in and explode. Good initial power into the blocker and uses his length well to get around blockers. Uses his hands to bully blockers backwards and brings energy off the edge. Uses his wingspan to corral ballcarriers or knock the ball out.

Active, quick feet to drop and cover in space. Very physical and arrives to the ballcarrier with a nasty attitude. Tough guy to contain and can dominate in one-on-one situations. Experience at both left and right defensive end and loves to get in the opposition's head.

Weaknesses: Lacks an ideal body type with average height. Tight-jointed and can play mechanical at times. Lacks elite tools and wins more with his intensity than natural skills. Needs to stay disciplined against the run.

Lacks ideal experience with only two seasons as a hand-in-the-ground pass rusher and limited starting experience. Still rough around the edges and needs to refine his pass rush moves and eliminate the penalties. Although minor, had a lingering back injury this past season.

Eric Martin, OLB, Nebraska, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Registering some insane numbers at his pro day: a swift 4.53 40 is impressive in its own right, but his agility drills were off the charts - registering a 3.97 short shuttle and a 6.63 in the 3-cone drill. For perspective, that 40 would have been 2nd at the Combine among all DL and LB, his short shuttle first by a LONG shot, and his 3-cone number would have been 3rd among all players - including defensive backs and receivers.