Arizona Cardinals: 5 players that should be targeted in the draft

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Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) throws as offensive lineman Nick Martin (72) blocks in the third quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State won 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Martin, Center, Notre Dame

Last offseason the Cardinals cut veteran center Lyle Sendlein with the assumption that free agent signee A.Q. Shipley or Ted Larsen would be able to take center duties. Bruce Arians being unimpressed with either player paved the way for Sendlein’s return. Sendlein is now a free agent, and I don’t expect the Cardinals to re-sign him. Instead, I expect Keim to draft a center and a promising player is Nick Martin out of Notre Dame.

The brother of Cowboys All-Pro guard Zack Martin, Nick Martin is very versatile having played 10 games at guard and 23 at center. Martin is built to play in the trenches at 6’4″ and 296 pounds and has plenty of lower body strength needed to fend off the pass rush. In addition to his high football IQ, Martin is also known to play with a certain intensity and fire that is a welcomed trait on this team.

Nick Martin should be in consideration to be taken with the Cardinals’ second round pick. However, it is possible that Martin could slip to the third round. The team hopes that former first round picks Johnathan Cooper and D.J. Humphries will be able to compete for starting roles and time will tell if Martin will be another young prospect vying for a starting spot on the offensive line.

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