Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

[HPF Bob]

Rob Rang has changed his tune and has us now taking OT Jonathan Martin of Stanford with the first pick at #26. It may be a matter of taking somebody who wasn't expected to be there (the other three mocks at CBS Sports have him going sooner than the Texans pick). The LT candidate has a lot of upside and one possible downside.

He's intelligent (Stanford and could have gone to Harvard), can serve as either LT or RT, played in a pro-style West Coast offense in college, is above average as a pass blocker and slightly above average as a run blocker. He's ideal size for an OT (6-5, 310). He's an extremely safe choice for a WCO team to project at the next level.

His downside? He needs to get his pads lower in run blocking and he's not been asked to do much pulling or trapping in Stanford's style of running which means he may have trouble adopting to a zone blocking running style. If he's not particularly mobile or nimble, there could be physical limitations picking up this key component of the Texans offense.

Why would the Texans choose him? First, the Texans let RT Eric Winston go to get below the cap limit. Rashad Butler has been a good backup but probably projects better as a pass blocker than a run blocker. The RT also has greater pass protection duties since he has Schaub's blind side.

So a need for an OT is there although perhaps not the greatest team need. Using a first round pick on a quality OT won't be wasted even if the Texans choose to re-sign LT Duane Brown after next season.

Secondly, he's obviously an extremely low-risk choice who has had extensive experience protecting passing QBs so he ought to be very easy to project at the next level. His only real downside is that we don't know how well he would adapt to zone blocking on running plays.

If he falls to the Texans (still a question about that), he would be good depth for 2012 and likely a starter in 2013 at either left or right tackle. I think his potential as an LT is a little stronger than a RT but the roles are somewhat confused because the starting QB is a lefty.

Because the WR pool is deep enough to still get a good one at #58 and because the OLB candidates all come with some downside, the choice of Martin might be a combination of choosing the safe bet and being too good to pass up. Still, I'm doubtful he will fall that far but it might be a great stroke of luck if he does.

[nunusguy]

I don't see the Texans going this way because they are more than set at LT with Duane Brown and what would they do with Martin if Butler (or the young 2nd year backup Newton) turn out to be "the man" this year for the Texans @ RT ? I suppose they could kick Martin inside to guard, but the Texans aren't known for investing first round picks in guards where they instead could draft in the mid or even late rounds to find a starter ?