Damien Martinez was still available after Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, which wasn’t a surprise. However, Martinez remained on the board for a surprising amount of time on Day 2, slowly stunning fans as it dawned on them that he might make it to Day 3.
Day 3 has arrived, and the Miami running back is still on the board. Why did the Hurricanes’ RB slip out of the second and third rounds? Here’s a possible explanation.
How Damien Martinez Might Have Slipped Into Day 3
Martinez had three seasons of at least 980 yards and seven touchdowns throughout his college career. He also saw growth in rushing touchdowns every year, from seven as a freshman to 10 in his final college season. So what gives?
While Martinez kept a high level of production, his rate of production was relatively steady, not showing much improvement year over year. In his first college season, he averaged 6.1 yards per carry. In his second college season, he again averaged 6.1 ypc, but in his final season, he improved to a 6.3 average.
However, the growth was negligible.
Yards per carry is king in the NFL, as evidenced by Dalvin Cook, who was moved on from after a nearly 1,200-yard season following a slipping ypc stat in three straight seasons.
Martinez didn’t trend down, but he wasn’t quite trending up, either.
Another reason for him slipping could be the sheer number of running backs available. Ashton Jeanty was drafted No. 6 overall, and Omarion Hampton was off the board not much later.
It could simply be a case of too many backs, not enough teams.
Martinez’s New Team Could Be Impacted by Skipping Him
Of course, the Dallas Cowboys entered Day 3 needing a running back, just one example of a potential landing spot. No matter where Martinez ends up, they could benefit from one side effect.
Martinez played with Cam Ward but is set to be drafted on the opposite side of the draft board after a productive season. He has every reason to be frustrated, which could lead to him working even harder when it counts most.
This could end up benefiting his new team immensely, as running backs already have to be aggressive on the field by definition to gain positive yards.
If Martinez grows a chip on his shoulder, it could lead to a big first season in the NFL. With rookie running backs sometimes delivering their best work in their first year due to their youth, the factors could be like Mentos and Coca-Cola.
