Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin has been linked to the Miami Dolphins seemingly since the 2013 NFL season ended. The Dolphins need an offensive lineman (or two, or three...). Martin is a versatile and solid lineman, who can play both tackle and guard. The fit seems to work.
According to NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah, there could be a small problem in what seems like a consensus pick for the Dolphins. Martin may not be available. Jeremiah held a conference call this week with the media and spoke about a conversation he had with one NFL General Manager.
"(The GM) asked me what I thought. I said 'I don't see how Miami can pass on (Martin), he's too clean,'" Jeremiah said. "And he said he doesn't think he'll be there when (the Dolphins) pick at (No.) 19."
Jermiah went on to identify the New York Giants as a potential landing spot for Martin, seven picks before Miami. "I think he's somebody that's on the move to the point where, when you look at where the Giants are picking at No. 12 -- maybe that would be surprising a month ago -- that wouldn't shock me if Zack Martin went all the way that high."
If the Dolphins want to acquire Martin, or even get one of the top three tackles in the draft, Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, or Taylor Lewan, the team may have to trade up into one of the top 10 draft positions. While they did it last year, jumping up to the third position to grab defensive end Dion Jordan, with the depth of this year's draft, another move forward would be more expensive than 2013; the payoff, however, could be worth the cost.
The opposite could be true, as well, though. If Miami were to stand still at the 19th position, and Martin jumped up the board into a pick before them, someome has to fall down the board. Would that player be someone Miami would find interesting? Could someone like C.J. Mosley, Calvin Pryor, or Eric Ebron suddenly become available, and would the Dolphins consider a player not on the offensive line?
With three more weeks until the Draft kicks off on May 8, there is still a lot of time for rumors, speculation, and debate.