New Dallas Cowboys’ 7 Round Mock Draft: Surprise Risers and Fallers
By Reid Hanson
Oct. 6, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) celebrates after running back Cierre Wood (20), not shown, scored a touchdown in the third quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field. Notre Dame won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
1st Round
OT/OG Zack Martin
Notre Dame
6’4” 308 lbs
Things looked troubling at first as Ealy, Donald, Clinton-Dix, Mack, and Barr were all picked before the Cowboys went on the clock. The results left the Cowboys with limited options.
In the past I simply picked Hageman and moved on but after limited success finding offensive linemen (at proper value in the proper round), I decided to switch things up.
Zack Martin marks the last of the top tier of linemen available. Teams will be clamoring to move up and select Martin. If the Cowboys face a situation where their top targets are off the board and Martin is available they will have plenty of suitors to trade back with.
Martin is seen by some as a true RT and some as the very top guard in the draft. That’s what you call a win-win in Dallas. The Cowboys could use an instant upgrade at guard this season, and with Doug Free leaving in 2015, Martin could play guard in 2014 and then slide right into the RT spot in 2015.
Martin is fundamentally skilled, using proper technique, balance, and concentration. He has quickness to stay in the way of speed rushers and nastiness to bury them. He was one of the only players to shut down sack leader Trent Murphy during the season, he impressed at the Combine and at the Senior Bowl. He’s not flawless or dominant but he has a high floor (low risk) and good potential.
This pick makes so much sense as long as the Cowboys are willing to accept the D-line will take 2-3 years to properly rebuild and not just one offseason.
Now wait until you see who fell to the second round…