Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Pick: Sherrod Martin

Sherrod Martin (FS/CB), Troy
6'1", 198

Combine (& Pro Day) Results

• 40 Yard Dash: 4.43 (4.46)
• 20 Yard Split: 2.57 (2.58)
• 10 Yard Split: 1.52 (1.51)
• Bench Press: 12
• Vertical Jump: 36 (36 ½)
• Broad Jump: 10'3"
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 3.98
• 3-Cone Drill: 6.60

Positives: Martin's a natural athlete with terrific measurables and great size. He's got great range and his combination of speed and ball skills allows him to cover a ton of ground while the ball is in the air. He's a decent tackler and capable of delivering a big hit while blitzing or working through trash to find the ball carrier. Versatility is a large part of his upside because he's got the fluid hips and quick feet to play corner back (even though he was primarily a safety at Troy) or the ‘center field' ball skills and tackling ability to play free safety.

Negatives: Durability is a concern as he's both shoulders operated on in 2006 (missed the whole season with a medical red shirt) and he missed some time in 2007 with a broken hand. He'll also have to work on becoming a more dependable tackler as he's missed some tackles when lowering his head for a big hit and he's not a ‘hard hitting' safety that some teams covet. He might also have to add some weight if a team leaves him at safety and he'll be older than your average rookie (turned 24 during the 2008 season).

Overview: Martin's a versatile player who should be able to help any team that drafts him in a variety of ways. He was a very effective gunner on punt coverage and could be a solid contributor on special teams early in his career. If he's left at his natural position, safety, his transition to the NFL could be a relatively easy one. Overall though he is an underrated prospect with a very intriguing skill set.

Projected Round: Late 2nd to Late 3rd

Why the Cardinals should draft him: Even though the Cardinals signed Bryant McFadden to solidify the cornerback position and Keith Lewis to add depth at safety, they still don't have a safety who excels in coverage. Aaron Francisco was burned on multiple occasions in 2008 and he and Lewis are both players who are at their best when they're close to the line of scrimmage. Martin could step in and immediately become the third safety who helps Antrel Rolle patrol the deep middle.

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