Miami RB Damien Martinez named as a sleeper in the 2025 NFL draft

Trinton Breeze
1 min read
ProFootball Focus has named Miami RB Damien Martinez as a sleeper for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Here's what PFF had to say about Martinez:

“Often forgotten with Cam Ward’s heroics is how efficient Martinez was as a runner for the Hurricanes. The Oregon State transfer posted a 94.3 rushing grade in 2024, third to only Ashton Jeanty and Cam Skattebo among FBS running backs. He averaged 4.5 yards after contact per attempt which was second among Power Four tailbacks. This is nothing new for Martinez either, who has a staggering 96.8 career rushing grade. He moves much better than his 232-pound size would indicate and is getting underrated in what’s a loaded running back class.”

Martinez rushed for 1,002 yards as a junior, leading the Hurricanes in rushing on 159 attempts. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored ten touchdowns on the ground.

According to the NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, Martinez is projected to be selected in the fifth round with the 146th pick.

 

Comments (22)

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Didn't realize he ended up with over 1K yds rushing to go along with 200yds receiving. Had a heck of a year.
 
If he runs well in a couple weeks he will move up. Reminds me of Kyren Williams. I hope he is a faster version.
 
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Since anything goes, he should just come back. 🤔
 
This is the first time I’ve seen him rated in the top 10 of the position. He had a good senior bowl. He’d be a top guy next year but RBs are on such short shelf lives. I think he will be a good NFL RB. He can find creases (immunity) and has good contact balance and power.
 
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This is the first time I’ve seen him rated in the top 10 of the position. He had a good senior bowl. He’d be a top guy next year but RBs are on such short shelf lives. I think he will be a good NFL RB. He can find creases (immunity) and has good contact balance and power.
He didn't play but he had a very good week of practice.
 
Seems like the type of back that could have a really legit NFL career. Just always seemed to be getting positive yards and the NFL is not filled with multiple 10-15 yards runs every game so guys who consistently get you 3-4 on 1st down or pick up the 1-2 on 3rd down.
 
Tons of great running backs in college and in the league. I think luck factors in big time at that position because injuries bring about opportunities for carries. That being said he’s definitely worthy of a 5th round draft pick.
 
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Great RB.......we need to realize that the yards of dragging players and powering through defensive athletes in the NFL is a **** of a lot different than College ball......way more difficult.

He will play but it may take a season or two for him to figure out the most effective style that will work in the bigs........lots of huge potential....
 
Beast pass protecting
Will play in the league for many years
He was also a beast as a receiver out of the backfield and running the ball. We ran him straight into the back of our o-lineman on almost every run play and he still found a way to gain positive yards every play. I don’t remember him having a turnover or penalty all year.
 
He was also a beast as a receiver out of the backfield and running the ball. We ran him straight into the back of our o-lineman on almost every run play and he still found a way to gain positive yards every play. I don’t remember him having a turnover or penalty all year.
I don't even remember him losing yards in hardly any plays.
 
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