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RB Desmond Martin (Wayne State) - Undrafted free agent
When the Detroit Lions announced their initial group of undrafted free agents for 2015, Desmond Martin wasn't on the list. Instead, he was merely invited to take part in the Lions' rookie minicamp as a tryout player. He took full advantage of that opportunity, though, as Martin earned a contract offer and was officially signed following the minicamp.
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 221 pounds
Stats
2011: 22 carries, 161 yards, 2 TD
2012: 62 carries, 387 yards, 1 TD | 1 catch, 5 yards
2013: 139 carries, 665 yards, 5 TD | 5 catches, 30 yards
2014: 287 carries, 1,578 yards, 16 TD | 11 catches, 142 yards
(via Wayne State)
Random fact
Martin can look to Joique Bell for inspiration, as both players played running back in Detroit at Wayne State during their college years, went undrafted and now play for the Lions.
What the experts are saying
Martin, who played in 48 career games from 2011-14 (after redshirting in 2010), finished fourth in all-time rushing with 2,791 yards, seventh in rushing touchdowns (24), and eighth in rushing attempts (510). He ranks third in average yards per carry (5.47) [min. 100 attempts] {only people ahead of him are Joique Bell and Vic Zucco (1953-54)}, 15th in total offense (2,791) and 16th in rushing yards per game (58.1). Martin finished his WSU career sixth in total offense per play (5.47) [min. 200 plays] behind four quarterbacks and Bell, tied-for-ninth in touchdowns scored (24), 12th in all-purpose yards (2,972), and tied-for-12th in scoring (144 points).
Videos
Outlook for 2015
Martin faces long odds when it comes to being in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster this year. The practice squad certainly isn't out of the question, though.
Previous scouting reports
Draft picks: OG Laken Tomlinson, RB Ameer Abdullah, CB Alex Carter, DT Gabe Wright, FB Michael Burton, CB Quandre Diggs, OT Corey Robinson
UDFAs: QB Anthony Boone, RB Zach Zenner