Redskins select Indiana OG Wes Martin with No. 131 overall pick
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins, after a long wait, finally addressed their need on the offensive line, though it’s unclear how much this pick will do for them.
The Washington Redskins started out the fourth round on the offensive side of the ball, picking Stanford running back Bryce Love with the No. 112 overall selection. With their second fourth-round pick, which they acquired via a trade back from the third round last evening, the Redskins selected Indiana offensive guard Wes Martin.
From a positional standpoint, this pick makes sense. Even after the signing of Ereck Flowers and the re-signing of Tony Bergstrom, the Redskins could stand to add depth on the interior offensive line, and a potential starter would also be preferable.
The Redskins passed up a potential starter in Dru Samia at No. 112, and at No. 131, it’s unclear if Indiana’s Wes Martin has the same potential. A general unknown in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, Martin started 37 of his 43 games played with the Hoosiers, per Indiana’s website, serving as a fixture at left guard. He was an honorable All-Big Ten mention twice in his career, giving his team reliable play at the collegiate level.
At 6-foot-3, 316, Martin has decent size for the interior, but it’s unclear if he has the traits to translate to the next level as anything more than suitable depth. On draftanalyst.com, Martin is described as a very tough, strong interior blocker with a mauler’s attitude. However, his movement skills are put into question, and he’s described as not being very fluid or explosive.
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Martin sounds like a prospect with a respectable floor, but limited developmental potential that could hinder his ability to take hold of a starting job at the next level. With experience, attitude, and strength, he was able to earn a fourth-round selection, but in truth, he could have been acquired later on. Still, the Redskins addressed need, and they added depth in an area that needed it. But there were much better value picks available.