Tennessee Titans select DT Mike Martin in third round

With the 82nd overall pick, the Tennessee Titans select defensive tackle Mike Martin from Michigan.

I expect Martin to bolster the run defense as a complement to Jurrell Casey.  He should be an immediate upgrade over both Sen’Derrick Marks and Shaun Smith, who may become expendable.

Martin is regarded as a run-stuffer without much pass rush ability, so his role seems pretty clear cut.  Edit: Mike Mayock writes that he does have the ability to be an interior pass rusher.  I’ve now read several conflicting scouting reports on him – some say he can’t rush the passer, which was my initial recollection of him, and Mayock, whose opinion I respect, says he can.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.  I’m going to take the approach that Martin should be the run-stopper the Titans need and if he’s able to provide some pass rush as well, then that’ll just be gravy.

The Titans also selected a DT in the third round last year (Casey), and if Martin produces as well as Casey did, I’ll be quite satisfied with this pick.