PFF scouting report: Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

Here is the PFF draft profile for Notre Dame center Nick Martin, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.

Position fit:

Ideally center, but has experience at guard. Zone fit

Stats to know:

Second-highest pass blocking efficiency among FBS centers (99.1). Fourth-highest grade against Power-5 competition

Combine Stats:

Height: 6-4
Weight: 299 pounds
Arm length: 32 1/2 inches
40-yard dash: 5.22 seconds
Bench: 28 reps
Broad: 97 inches
3-cone: 7.57 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.72 seconds

What he does best:

• Superb at locating linebackers. Does a great job at keeping his body clean at the line of scrimmage to allow himself to climb to the second level quickly.
• Locks in extremely well and doesn’t lose control. Very technically sound with his hand placement.
• Positional versatility with consistent production over the past two seasons between guard (2014) and center (2015)
• Looks very smooth changing directions and taking pass sets. Quick to recognize stunts and blitzers

Biggest concern:

• Not a people mover. Doesn’t have the extra gear to walk with a defensive tackle after locking him out.
• Gets flatbacked too often versus bull rush and will give ground.
• Lacks the pop on combo blocks at the line of scrimmage that you’d want from a center in a man scheme.

Bottom line:

Everyone will see the name and production and expect Nick to be a first-year stud like his brother Zack. It could take Nick a little longer with his strength issues, but his upside at center is very high.