Jacob Martin Brings Speed to Colts Edge Rush: Film Room

Martin has mostly been the same player that he was back when he was drafted, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. His career has consistently hovered around 3-4 sacks a season, with his career-high being the four he had back in 2021 with the Texans.

He has struggled throughout his five-year career with run defense, tackling, and overall consistency, but there is no denying his ability as a pass rusher. Martin is a developed speed rusher who understands how to use his bend and his speed to his advantage.

He has spent a considerable amount of time building up his pass-rush repertoire, and it is noticeable how much better he has gotten over the years at shedding offensive tackles on the edge. His patented cross-chop is a highly effective rush move that leaves offensive linemen flailing as he corners around them.

Martin had a bit of a difficult year in 2022, bouncing between two different teams and hitting the lowest sack total of his career. This past season came on the heels of signing a solid three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Jets in the offseason.

Despite being traded at the midway point of last season to the Broncos, Martin did have some strong reps on film. In 155 pass rush snaps a year ago, Martin totaled 25 pressures and 2.5 sacks across the two teams. His 9.8 PRP (a Pro Football Focus metric that looks at pressures in relation to total snaps) was the 11th best among all edge rushers last year.

Martin isn't the type of player who is going to excel as a starter in the NFL, but if he sits in that 125-200 pass rush snaps range (like he will with the Colts in 2023), then he is an efficient and effective sub player to have:

Overall, Martin is a talented pass rusher who is best suited as a rotational player in an attacking scheme. His bend and his pass rush prowess make him the perfect reliever for the Colts' current aces of Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo.

Martin will likely settle in as the Colts' fourth or fifth pass rusher this season, but this signing gives the team a strong second-wave pass rusher to rotate into games. This is a valuable commodity that should give the Colts' pass rush a solid boost in 2023.

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