Mike Martin To The Tennessee Titans

Photo Credit: nepatriotsdraft.com

With the 82nd Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennesse Titans select from the University of Michigan, DT Mike Martin! Finally, what all of us have been waiting for. One of our own has come off the board. Mike ran a 4.88 in the 40 at the combine, as well as putting up 36 reps at 225 lbs and had a 33.5" vertical jump.

To give you all an idea of what the Titans are getting production wise from Mike Martin, I'll throw some numbers at you. Freshman yea,r he had 20 tackles, 4.5 for loss and 2 sacks. So not that big of production but he wasn't the main guy on the DL, so that's somewhat to be expected. As a Sophomore, his numbers improved. 51 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. So already, in just one season his numbers pretty much doubled. Junior year he had 37 total tackles, 6 of which were for loss and 2.5 sacks. Let's face it this was in the RR era, where the defense was atrocious. He was the best player on that side of the ball, but its no surprise that his numbers were down. Senior year under Coach Hoke and Great Mattison, his numbers jumped. He had 64 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. So for his career at Michigan he ended up with 172 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and a forced fumble. Mike was constantly double teamed by the opposition and he still found ways to impact the game. Always penetrating the backfield and disrupting run plays or getting after the quarterback. One thing for sure is that the Titans are getting a freak athlete and a guy that is going to work extremely hard day in and day out. The battles he had in practice against Rimington Award Winner David Molk certainly helped. Maybe not right away, but with some work and developing, he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both praised Mike Martin. With his great wrestling background, he's great at getting leverage and penetrating into the backfield. In my opinion, Martin is going to be great for the Titans. They aren't very strong on the defensive line in the middle. They were 24th in the league last year allowing just over 128 yards per game on the ground. Total yardage they were 18th in the league, but let's face it they do have a great backfield. Mike Martin will go along way towards solidifying the defensive line and thus making that defense that much better.

I wish Mike the best of luck in the NFL playing for the Titans we all know that he is going to be a force to reckon with. With his tireless work ethic and tenacity on the field to get after the quarterback he will do big things in years to come.