Notre Dame's Zack Martin wasn't necessarily a common name when the nation's top offensive linemen were mentioned this season, but he has the look of a first-round pick, and three NFL Media draft analysts aren't surprised.
Speaking Tuesday on the NFL Network's coverage of the Reese's Senior Bowl practices, Mike Mayock said Martin reminds him of former Syracuse star Justin Pugh, whom the New York Giants took with the No. 19 pick in the 2013 draft. But Mayock called Martin a better prospect.
Mayock, who also serves as the analyst on NBC's Notre Dame telecasts, raved about Martin's versatility, saying he was the only guy at the Senior Bowl who could play "at a high level" at all five offensive line positions.
"He never missteps, he's always under control," Mayock said, pointing out that Martin is a solid technician and also has enough quickness to push speed pass rushers past the quarterback.
Some analysts think Martin might be best-suited to play guard because of his size (6-foot-4, 305 pounds). Pugh was a tackle at Syracuse and was moved inside by the Giants. Mayock said he thinks Martin can play left tackle, but "worst-case scenario, you move him inside and he's an All-Pro guard."
Analysts Charles Davis and Daniel Jeremiah also spoke highly of Martin. Davis cited Notre Dame's game this season against Stanford, saying Martin did an excellent job on Trent Murphy, who led the nation in sacks.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
