I can’t believe how many people have consistently felt Doug was small but somehow that has been the case all year, even in college.

I think it blew people away when he showed up at 219 pounds and chiseled at around 3% body fat. One writer said he looked like a body builder with how cut he was. That is not normal for football athletes who are interested more in muscle mass than looks. Body building focuses on the look, going through an awful lot to cut water weight…to the point of dehydration…in order to make the muscle pop out. For Doug to show up in that kind of condition and be ready to practice hard shows his overwhelming natural athleticism and, more importantly, ability to get even heavier.

Doug is now being looked at, almost universally, as a 3 down back. I haven’t seen a list of draft eligible running backs but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Doug rise all the way to #2 right behind Trent Richardson. The only reason Trent will remain ahead is he has so much quality game film it’s hard not to pick him. That said, Martin is likely to have the better career. Look at this…

Trent Richardson*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
Height: 5-9. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.

Martin has the lower center of gravity, is projected to be slightly faster (Combine will determine conclusively), has a more muscular build, is likely to outlift Richardson in both squat and bench press, has shown better pass protection and blitz pickup skills, and is far far far more adept in receiving the ball out of the backfield and picking up yards after the catch.

Whoever drafts Doug martin may be getting a future Hall of Famer, barring significant injury ofc…he’s that good. People right now talk about how good Stanford OG David DeCastro is, that his kind of talent is rare and this is the kind of athlete that could really go far beyond your typical pro. They said the same things about guys like Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, Adrian Peterson, and Brian Urlacher, athletes who had the skillset to change the game even if they didn’t end up capitalizing on it. Doug Martin has that same ability, he’s the total package at that position, with an other world physicality, inherent athleticism, and the work ethic and personal drive to bring it all together.

Once again, that’d be intriguing… not a huge Lions fan, but I don’t hate em either, gotta support the former Broncos out there in the big league.