:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16991265/20120824_jla_ak1_617.0.jpg)
We are currently making our way through the Miami Dolphins' 90-man offseason roster, breaking down last season for each player, as well as what could happen this year. Today, we continue today with a look at defensive lineman Vaughn Martin.
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Jonathan Freeny Jordan Kovacs Dion Jordan Chris Burnette Josh Samuda Brian Thomas Keelan Johnson Jeff Fuller Jamar Taylor Michael Egnew
(Photo courtesy Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Chad Bumphis Marcus Thigpen Aaron Corp Jelani Jenkins Jonathan Martin Tristan Okpalaugo Reshad Jones Jeff Adams John Denney Philip Wheeler Cameron Wake Marvin McNutt Dallas Thomas
2012 Review:
Vaughn Martin
| 2012 Stats | |
| Games | 13 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Recoveries | 0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Sacks | 1.0 |
| Tackles | 19 |
Martin missed the final three games of the season last year when the San Diego Chargers were forced to put him on injured reserve with a groin injury. His most productive year was 2011, when he played in all 16 games, starting 15, with one sack and 47 tackles.
In San Diego's 3-4 scheme, Martin played defensive end, but was projected as a defensive tackle singing with the Dolphins. However, he has spent the start of training camp primarily serving as a reserve right defensive end behind Olivier Vernon.
When the Dolphins signed Martin during free agency this year, reports stated that the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and the Chargers were all pursuing the defensive lineman as well.
Why he could improve in 2013:
It will be interesting to watch Martin through training camp. At 6'3", 308 pounds, Martin is the heaviest defensive end on the team, distancing himself from the 270 pound Derrick Shelby by more than 30 pounds. Jared Odrick, who is shifting from defensive end to defensive tackle this year, is 6'5", 302 pounds, according to the Dolphins' website. While he has looked good early in camp, will Martin continue to play defensive end once Dion Jordan is fully incorporated into practice, or will he move inside?
Either way, Martin could find success simply because he will not be starting for Miami. He will be asked to serve as a rotational player, at either defensive end or tackle, and that should keep him fresh and ready to go.
Why he could regress in 2013:
Injuries are a concern with Vaughn. The 2011 season is the only year that Martin played all 16 games. Martin has looked good early in camp this year, but will he be able to keep up that momentum, and will he be comfortable as a 4-3 defensive end or defensive tackle, wherever he ends up, are the other two questions that have to be answered. If either answer is no, Martin could be a regression candidate.
Odds he will make the 53-man roster:
Martin is not going to be a starter by any stretch of the imagination, but he is showing an ability to play pass rush defensive end after playing a 3-4 defensive end last year. That kind of versatility could keep him around as a reserve, utility player, able to rotate into any position on the defensive line and give the Dolphins support. If his play keeps up to the level he has shown so far, he will likely make the roster.