Miami Hurricanes RB Damien Martinez shows improvement in key area at Senior Bowl that will make NFL executives drool

Former Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez had himself a nice week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.  One that could end up vaulting him up teams' boards ahead of April's NFL Draft.  While Martinez has shown himself to be a more than capable runner, it's something he showed there that really could see […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team running back Damien Martinez of Miami (32) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Former Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez had himself a nice week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.  One that could end up vaulting him up teams' boards ahead of April's NFL Draft. 

While Martinez has shown himself to be a more than capable runner, it's something he showed there that really could see his stock rise over the next couple of months: pass blocking.  

Martinez reportedly handled those duties very well during practice last week. 

It goes without saying that running backs, in the NFL, are going to have to be able to pass block, and do it early, or they won't be on the field all that much.  The NFL is a passing league, and the investment into quarterbacks is at an all-time high.  All it takes is one hit, and a season can be wrecked.  See the Cincinnati Bengals with Joe Burrow or the Miami Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa this decade. 

As such, it's important for Martinez that he's shown improvement since early in the season in pass blocking, and it appears he has.  This clip shows an initial mistake and a correction that Martinez made at the start of the season in Miami's 41-17 win over Florida. 

Of course, Martinez is a load with the ball in his hands at 6'1", 230 pounds.  His combination of size, speed, and agility already had the attention of scouts and executives going into last week. 

Martinez should get the chance to further grab the attention of scouts during his pro day and at the NFL Combine at the end of February.  If he can put forth a good showing, then he could be in line to hear his name called earlier than some people might project at the end of April. 

After all, it appears he's honed a skill that many executives will have their eyes on closely.

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