A dynamic athlete with the speed, physicality, and instincts to make plays at all three levels, Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin is probably a name that rings new to most of you. A player now garnering top-100 buzz across the league, while Martin has served as one of scouts’ best-kept secrets throughout the fall, he’s quickly become a name to know as the pre-draft process kicks into high gear.
Zero reason why Memphis LB Chandler Martin shouldn’t be at the NFL Combine.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 11, 2025
Extremely explosive athlete at the position with the three down versatility to challenge for a starting role. Name to know in the LB class that has Top 100 love in the league⤵️ pic.twitter.com/YWF51bKPSF
At a verified 5-foot-11 and 233 pounds, Martin’s athletic profile showcases a future sideline-to-sideline defender who can erase angles and shut down outside runs, while also touting the ability to flip and carry pass-catchers upfield. While his frame won’t ‘wow’ among other linebackers in the class, what Martin lacks in verticality, mass, and length, he more than makes up for in the finer nuances of the position—one that has continued to evolve as the years progress.
Martin is violent at the point of attack when asked to take on blocks, showing no hesitation when stepping into the box. His ability to stack and shed against offensive linemen speaks to his core strength and refined hand usage. His aforementioned physicality extends to his tackling, where if he’s able to grab any fiber of cloth, opponents are likely stapled to the turf.
While Martin was inexcusably left off of spring reports sent out to teams and remained under the radar during the fall, Martin’s draft stock took a significant leap following an outstanding week at Shrine just a few weeks back. In Frisco, Martin consistently stood out as one of the most disruptive defenders in attendance, showcasing his ability to diagnose plays and react with explosive efficiency. He shined in 11-on-11 work, demonstrating the ability to not only dissect and attack in the ground game but read quarterbacks in space, often jumping passing lanes to make plays on the ball. Martin was seemingly everywhere, racking up tackles and flashing his ability to blitz effectively, exemplifying his current projection as a ‘WILL’ linebacker at the next level.
Following Martin’s week at Shrine, where, per a source, he met with 31 of 32 NFL teams, the former Memphis Tiger has seen a surge in recognition as a potential top-100 pick come April. While some viewed him as a mid-day-three selection during the summer months and into the early portions of the fall campaign, his production in the middle of a defense against strong competition, combined with his elite athletic profile, has led to growing chatter about him sneaking into the back end of day two.
Despite the buzz surrounding him, Martin has yet to receive the same level of attention as some of his Power Four counterparts. However, tape always paints the full picture, and Martin more than belongs in the conversation alongside the premier linebackers in the 2025 class.
As the draft process continues, expect Martin’s name to keep rising. For teams in need of a rangy, dynamic, hybrid linebacker, Martin’s game has remained one of the more personally enjoyable studies in the class, showcasing a player that could quickly outplay his draft slot come the early portions of his NFL career.
