Dallas Cowboys to start Zack Martin at guard in rookie season
By Josh Sanchez
The Dallas Cowboys passed up on Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft in favor of selecting Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin. Part of the appeal that Martin brings is his versatility, so there were some questions about where he will begin his career.
Martin played offensive tackle his final year at Notre Dame, but the Cowboys will be giving him the opportunity to earn his stripes in the league by playing inside at guard.
“People believe he can play center — a lot of people argue he can play all five spots on the offensive line,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said, via the team’s official website. “Initially we’ll give him a chance to work inside as an offensive guard and see how he holds up there.”
Since Martin will be starting his NFL career inside, he will spend OTAs, mini camps and training camps competing with right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau and left guard Ron Leary.
Many expect Martin will replace Bernadeau.
The Cowboys starting offensive line will be finalized with Doug Free at right tackle, 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith at left tackle and left year’s first-round pick, Travis Frederick, at center.
With their recent investments in the offensive front, the Cowboys line is looking much better than it was just a few years ago.