Kareem Martin, Defensive End: Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report
North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Kareem Martin (95) Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Kareem Martin of the North Carolina Tarheels is a gifted athlete that could contribute for any team right away at defensive end. Martin stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 272 pounds, giving him the prototypical size for a pass rusher in today’s NFL. He’s coming off a break out senior season, where he recorded 11 sacks and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama. He showed well there too, helping to build some credibility amongst scouts and coaches. He’s projected to be a late first, early second round pick and should be available when the Chiefs make their selection at number 23.
COMBINE RESULTS:
- 40 Yard Dash- 4.72 seconds
- Bench Press (225 lbs)- 22 reps
- Vertical Jump- 35 1/2 inches
- Broad Jump- 10’9″
- (Stats Via NFLDraftscout.com)
Athletically, Kareem Martin fits the part of a first round talent. His strengths are more in the run game while his pass rush skills need to develop. CBSSports.com had this to say about Martins strenghts,
"“Certainly looks the part of a first round pick, boasting broad shoulders, long arms and a trim middle reminiscent of an NBA power forward. Offers good initial quickness off the snap, as well as straight-line speed to close quickly on the ball-carrier. Martin’s best attribute is his strength at the point of attack. He gets a strong initial jolt to his opponent, quickly locking out to survey the action and showing the strength to rip himself free and pursue or stay home, as needed. While not particularly fluid, Martin’s length and strength aid him as a tackler, as he’s able to grab hold of the ball-carrier and throw him to the ground. Possesses the frame to handle moving inside on obvious passing downs, using his burst to split gaps”"
Martin has the ability to be disruptive up the middle, something that not a lot of defensive ends can do in the NFL today. However, Martin doesn’t project to play as well in the 3-4, as most scouts believe his abilities could be better utilized in the 4-3. The scouts believe this to be a better fit in scheme because of the development he needs as a pass rusher. CBSSports.com continues with Martins weaknesses saying,
"“While possessing good initial quickness, he isn’t explosive off the ball and is stiff when attempting to turn the corner or when changing directions. This inflexibility allows mobile quarterbacks and other alert ball-carriers to elude Martin in the open field. Does not use his length well to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage, tipping only three passes in 2013 (the same number in 2012)… Broke out with a spectacular senior campaign (including a safety in the Belk Bowl win over Cincinnati) to prompt questions as to where was this consistency throughout his career…”"
Martin seems to be a very raw talent for a projected first round prospect. John Dorsey has tried his hardest to set up the roster to where he’s able to literally draft the best player available with their first round pick. Kareem Martin is not likely to be the best player available with the 23rd pick and Kansas City will likely over look him.
Perhaps if the Chiefs are able to move back, collect an early second round pick and an additional third, and Martin is there for that second round pick, then the Chiefs may look to call his number. Other than that, I don’t see Martin becoming the Chiefs number one pick in 2014. You can check out some of his highlights below.
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