Can Seventh-Round Pick Damien Martinez Become a Key Player for the Seahawks?
Seattle Seahawks’ Seventh-Round Pick Damien Martinez: A Rising Star in the Making?
In the competitive landscape of the NFL, seventh-round picks often find themselves fighting an uphill battle just to secure a spot on the roster. However, Seattle Seahawks running back Damien Martinez, selected as the 223rd overall pick in this year’s draft, is generating buzz that suggests he could be more than just a footnote in the team’s depth chart.
Despite being positioned behind established talents like Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and potentially George Holani, CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso believes Martinez has the potential to emerge as the Seahawks’ top running back as the season progresses. “Do not sleep on this seventh-round rookie,” Trapasso cautioned, highlighting Martinez’s impressive physical attributes—standing nearly 6 feet tall and weighing 217 pounds, with a speed of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Martinez’s college career at Miami showcased his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, culminating in an impressive average of 3.94 yards after contact per rush in his final season. Over 516 carries, he averaged a remarkable 6.0 yards per attempt, demonstrating both power and agility that could translate well to the NFL.
The Seahawks have made significant investments in their offensive line this offseason, which could provide Martinez with the support he needs to thrive. “If there are any injuries in front of him, Martinez can absolutely shoulder the normal workload in the Seahawks’ new-look offense,” Trapasso noted.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The Seahawks’ running back room is deep, with Walker and Charbonnet essentially serving as 1A and 1B options. Holani also made a strong impression in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, rushing for 61 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries. Martinez’s own preseason debut was less stellar, as he managed only 10 yards on six carries.
At just 21 years old, Martinez has time on his side. Last season at Miami, he rushed for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. While becoming a starter in his rookie year may be a tall order, his combination of production and physicality suggests he could carve out a significant role as the season unfolds.
As the Seahawks gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Martinez. Will he rise to the occasion and prove that even a seventh-round pick can shine in the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey has just begun for this promising young talent.