NFL Mock Draft 2014: Miami Dolphins Select Zack Martin

Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

The Miami Dolphins were caught up in the mini-saga that was Bullygate last season with the alleged mistreatment of now-San Francisco 49er OT Jonathan Martin by then-teammate OG Richie Incognito. Long story short: they're both gone, leaving massive holes in the Miami offensive line. We have seen this before, though; last year the Dolphins allowed the second most quarterback sacks in the entire NFL at a staggering total of 58. How would one rectify this situation and keep Ryan Tannehill upright and throwing to their receivers? The obvious answer is to draft O-Line help. That help comes in the form of...

Zachary Martin, the elder brother of the Martin twins seems like the perfect fit for this predicament -- wait, what? He doesn't play football? Oh. Well, since he is only a fictional character in a Disney channel sitcom, we will go with the next best available Martin.

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Enter Zack Martin of Notre Dame fame. At 6'4" and 308 lbs, he's just slightly undersized for the offensive tackle position at the professional level of football. That said, Martin has been projected to make an outstanding guard. His low center of gravity coupled with his quick feet make him an ideal fit for a team that utilizes a Zone Blocking Scheme.  Miami would instantly solidify the interior of their O-Line, letting them get back to basics.

From nfl.com:

Strengths Engages quickly. Flexible and light on his feet. Can work his hips and maneuver. Good blocking posture -- bends his knees, sits in his stance and can shuffle, slide and mirror. Good hand placement (can pop and recoil). Seals running lanes. Can combo block and fit on linebackers. Athletic to pull and trap. Passes off stunts and is alert to blitzers. Started every game of his career. Played well against Alabama in the BCS Championship and was MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl. Sparkling intangibles. Highly respected, hardworking leader who does all the right things.

Weaknesses Lacks ideal length to stay outside in the pros -- relatively small wingspan. Not a pure road grader who rolls off flat-backed and buries defenders. Could be stressed by bigger, more powerful defensive tackles. Can improve balance and sustain on the second level. Does not have experience at guard. Could stand to bulk up in preparation for a move inside.

Draft Projection Round 1

Bottom Line Athletic, smart, competitive, dependable college left tackle whose length dictates a move inside, where he has plug-and-play ability in a zone-blocking scheme. One of the cleanest prospects in this year's draft.

Drafting Zack Martin would bring increased stability to a reeling organization and desperate fan base in South Florida. This move would allow Miami to focus their rebuilding efforts on defense in an effort to slow down the high octane Patriots offense. Drafting a plug-and-play Guard helps them accomplish that by freeing up roster spot(s) for developing talent on defense. If Miami is to ever return to the pinnacle of professional football, they are going to need "big nasty's" to carry them up that mountain.

Let me know what you think in the comment section below, and be sure to vote whether you approve of the pick or not!  Thanks for your time!

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Thanks to all the CSC members who participated in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible.

Below are the complete results from our community mock draft.

Catch up with all of the mock draft selections in our 2014 CSC Community Mock Draft Hub.