FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Miami running back Damien Martinez. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Damien Martinez
Damien Martinez (RB – Miami)
6-foot-0 | 232 Pounds
Background
Damien Martinez was a three-star recruit who originally attended Oregon State. Started the last five games of his true freshman campaign, finishing with 161 carries for 982 yards and seven touchdowns (6.1 per attempt.) Has been starting ever since, with a line of 195-1,185-9 (6.1) in 2023 before transferring to Miami. Went 160-1,006-10 (6.3) in his sole season with the Hurricanes before declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Positives
Consistent producer over the past three years who came very close to posting 1,000 rushing yards in all three college seasons, playing in a zone-heavy scheme and then transferring to a gap-based team. Big, thickly-built back that looks the part of a lead ball-carrier. Martinez Plays with the sledgehammer temperament his size suggests; likes to initiate contact and grind out the tough yardage.
Effective runner on stretches/one-cut concepts; shows pretty good vision in the backfield to set up blocks and recognize/hit cutback lanes. Cuts in the backfield are simple and clean, without hesitation. His contact balance is impressive; also able to spin off of some defenders and stay on his feet. Does a good job of changing tempo to keep defenders off-balance in the open field.
Easily runs through arm tackles and can lower the shoulder and steamroll smaller defenders one-on-one. Gets behind his pads and finishes his runs by administering punishment to opposing defenders. Ball security is very good, with just one fumble in each of his three seasons. Has the size and temperament to potentially develop into an effective pass protector.
Negatives
Can run a little bit upright at times, exposing his body to hits. Sort of a single-speed back whose burst and long speed aren’t the most impressive. Will probably be more of a chunk gainer at the next level, as he can be caught from behind. Can occasionally show a little bit too much tentativeness when the blocking isn’t there on outside rushing attempts, rather than putting his head down and barreling forward to limit negative-yardage plays.
Martinez hasn’t shown a lot of third-down value at this point. Wasn’t very integrated into the passing game at any point, with 31 career catches (16 at Miami last year). Had four career drops. Also doesn’t have a ton of experience in blitz pickup, struggling on limited snaps. Had a 2023 arrest for driving under the influence, so interviews/background could be important.
Summary
One of the nastiest backs you’ll see, with a big frame he turns into a battering ram to punish defenders and wear them down throughout a game. Look more, and you’ll also see a back who does a good job of recognizing and hitting cutback lanes, who can set up blocks better than most.
Martinez may not be the fastest back in the class and hasn’t demonstrated the most passing-game value to date, but he looks like a safe bet to develop into an effective power back in a team’s rotation. Looks like a mid-round pick if his background checks out.
Projection: Round 4-5
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
Jeanty proved he’s the total package this past season, with an unbelievable combination of vision, patience, creativity, agility, power, balance and speed that nearly allowed him to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Can fit in any offensive scheme, but might be best in a scheme that runs a relatively high amount of outside zone to maximize his home-run hitting ability. After a year in which he dazzled viewers with a nonstop succession of dominant highlights, Jeanty should be a lock for the first round, potentially going in the top half of the frame. Projects as a long-term, every-down feature back who should make an immediate impact.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ashton Jeanty
Skattebo was one of the most productive and exciting players in college football this past season. He combined a natural feel for the position, smooth running skills, a tough and physical temperament and exceptional contact balance, culminating in well over 2,000 total yards on the season.
There’s not a whole lot to critique about his game, besides his lack of ideal explosiveness and long speed. Otherwise, Skattebo has the look of a potential every-down back in the league or at least the power back in a one-two punch. Could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo
A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.
Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Jordan James (Oregon)
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
- Brashard Smith (SMU)
- Damien Martinez (Miami)
- Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
- Phil Mafah (Clemson)
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
- Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
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