Ravens sign undrafted free agent the rest of the NFL forgot to draft and add explosiveness to the middle of the defense
Early in the draft, you look for traits and production at the same time. Down the road, it's normal to look for one or the other. However, the Baltimore Ravens may have pulled the trigger on an undrafted player who has the physical abilities and played at a high level in college. Memphis off-ball linebacker […]
Early in the draft, you look for traits and production at the same time. Down the road, it's normal to look for one or the other. However, the Baltimore Ravens may have pulled the trigger on an undrafted player who has the physical abilities and played at a high level in college.
Memphis off-ball linebacker Chandler Martin went undrafted, mostly because he's undersized for his position, and the Ravens added him to the 90-man roster as a rookie free agent.
Even though he's 5-11, 229 pounds, Martin tested extremely well, with elite speed and explosion. The combination gave him an 8.21 Relative Athletic Score. And watching his tape, you can see the attributes.
After three years at Tennessee State as an overlooked prospect, Martin transferred to Memphis and led his team both years in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. Last season alone, he had seven total sacks—which is particularly impressive for an off-ball player. In his two years at Memphis, he was twice a First-Team All-AAC.
A to Z Sports' NFL draft analyst Ian Valentino mentioned Chandler Martin among the Shrine Bowl winners.
"Shorter linebackers are more common in the game than you might think; players like Dre Greenlaw, Nakobe Dean, and Nick Bolton have thrived as sub-6-foot linebackers. Chandler Martin has the potential to be the next reliable, shorter linebacker patrolling the middle of a defense. Weighing in at 233 pounds, he possesses the athleticism and instincts needed to make an early impact.
His transition from East Tennessee State to Memphis resulted in an All-AAC selection, amassing 206 tackles, 10 sacks, and three interceptions in the last two seasons. Martin is a standout player who disrupts offenses and has a strong grasp of the game. His impressive range and comfort in coverage were particularly highlighted at the Shrine Bowl.
Martin frequently positions himself well against screens and short aerial attacks, with his closing speed and tenacity being major strengths. He demonstrated his physicality by forcing a fumble and proving he can hold his own against taller opponents in the NFL.
While off-ball linebackers may not be highly valued in the NFL, Martin possesses top-100 talent, particularly when compared to bigger names who might not perform as effectively." — Ian Valentino.
Depth
Right now, veterans Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson are slated to start at inside linebacker for Baltimore. And while Simpson is a good performer after being a third-round pick two years ago, it's not like the position is set in stone.
During this offseason, the Ravens signed former Los Angeles Ram Jake Hummel in free agency and drafted Teddye Buchanan in the fourth round. William Kwenkeu, who spent time on the team's practice squad last season, is also on the roster.
Nonetheless, Chandler Martin is a valuable addition, and he has the potential to make the 53-man roster as a rookie and truly contribute, adding versatility and explosiveness to Zach Orr's defense.
Baltimore Ravens 2025 Final Draft Grades
Do you agree?
