With the 131st pick in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins addressed their offensive line by drafting Indiana Hoosier guard, Wes Martin. Martin is a player that may not have been on the radar of many teams but in examining his tape, it becomes apparent that he is a solid NFL prospect that has Day One starter potential.
The #Redskins get an OG in Indiana’s Wes Martin. Could he start from day one? Martin was a team captain and multi-year starter for the Hoosiers. He wasn’t highly ranked as a draft prospect though so someone out here at Redskins Park sees something in him.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) April 27, 2019
“It’s unbelievable,” Martin said via a conference call with the media at Redskins Park. “It’s pretty wild to think this whole process is going on. I’m just really excited to get in there and work my tail off and do everything I can to help the organization.”
A three-year starter for the Hoosiers, Martin is a strong, athletic player that does a nice job of driving guys upfield in the running game; especially in one-on-one situations. But he is more than just strong and athletic. He possesses the complete package of skills and field-smarts as a left guard.
“I’m most known for my brute strength,” he said. “I grew up working on a dairy farm. That’s my background. I’m a strong kid… IQ, I guess. I got, like, a 31 on the Wonderlic, so I’m pretty sharp. I like to think, to be able to ID things and make decisions quickly. I think my explosion along with my strength is another big thing. And getting up on the second level, getting on ‘backers is something I’ve been doing a long time here back at Indiana.”
Due to his excellent footwork and spacing, the two-time team captain has the aptitude to settle into blocks and sustain them. In situations where he may need to make multiple blocks, he makes sudden adjustments with fluidity. His clear understanding of his position shines through on the film as you see his patience in combo blocking.
In pass protection, he slides his feet with ease allowing him to close gaps. The 6-3, 311 lbs. guard uses his hands effectively, maintaining good technique.
That said, if he can work on bending at the knees a little more, it would allow him to be even more of a menacing force in both the run and pass game.
Wes Martin has athleticism and is great firing off the ball but could use some work pulling or playing in space. He is a strong player at the point of attack just needs to work on bending knees more. This would help his ability to anchor in both run and pass blocking. #Redskins
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) April 27, 2019
Martin’s talents combined with the Redskins having one of the best offensive line coaches in the game (in Bill Callahan) could make this rookie the linchpin that solidifies an already talented group.