Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami running back Damien Martinez (RB22) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

Damien Martinez Set to Meet with Kansas City Chiefs Ahead of the NFL Draft

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 2:44 PM ET

Cam Ward is already drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, so it is only right to go and get Ward's start running back in the NFL Draft.

According to Jordan Schultz, Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez is visiting with the Chiefs ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has also visited with the Cowboys and the Dolphins as he prepares to be selected.

Source: Miami RB Damien Martinez is visiting the #Chiefs today and tomorrow. He has also visited the #Cowboys and #Dolphins.

A big, physical back at 6-0, 217 pounds, Martinez - who just turned 21 - averaged 6.2 YPC last season with 10 TDs and clocked a solid 4.51 40-time. pic.twitter.com/QaLuNeQ1VZ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 14, 2025

One of the key spring portal additions from last year's unit, Martinez continues to be one of the best rising players in a stacked running back class. For former Pac-12 offensive player of the year in 38 games played during his time at Oregon State and the single year for Miami, he rushed for 3169 yards, 26 touchdowns, and averaged 6.2 yards a carry.

In his last game for the Hurricanes against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he was en route to being the game MVP, rushing for 179 yards on 14 carries with one TD.

His Pro Football Focus grade was one of the best, only behind Heisman Finalist Ashton Jeanty and Arizona State's Cam Skattebo.

A dynamic backfield with Martinez and Isiah Pacheco would set the world on fire in the potential explosive running game the Chiefs had to offer. They already have arguably the greatest quarterback to ever touch a football under center. Martinez could unlock a new dimension to an already scary offense.