Cowboys choose Martin with 16th pick

For the third straight season, Notre Dame had at least one player selected in the first-round of the NFL Draft.

Zack Martin, the 6-foot-4, 308-pounder out of Indianapolis who started an incredible 52 straight games for the Irish, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 16th overall pick.

"I couldn't be happier with going to Dallas and being part of that great organization," Martin told DallasCowboys.com. "I think one of my biggest strengths in this process has definitely been my versatility with teams and showing that although I played tackle in college, I think I can play multiple positions at the next level. I think that's something that's definitely helped me out in this process"

Martin follows tight end Tyler Eifert, wide receiver Michael Floyd and safety Harrison Smith as first-round draft choices from Notre Dame in the last three years. Floyd was the No. 13 pick of the Arizona Cardinals and Smith was the No. 29 selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 draft. Eifert was tabbed by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 21st pick of last year's draft.

Martin went from a late first-round draft selection to a potential top 10 pick after strong showings at the Senior Bowl in January, the Indianapolis Combine in February, and again at Notre Dame's Pro Day in March.

Showing the versatility to play tackle or guard on the next level, Martin overcame concerns over the length of his arms - 32 ¼ inches - which is a bit short by NFL first-round standards for an offensive tackle.

But Martin impressed NFL talent evaluators with his consistency, his versatility and his even-keeled career at Notre Dame. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduced him as a guard, not a tackle, which may have tipped the Cowboys' intentions with Martin.

"Wherever they decide to play me, I'll be excited and willing to help out the team," Martin said.

 

Martin is the first Irish offensive lineman chosen in the first round since center Jeff Faine was the No. 21 overall pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2004. Other Notre Dame offensive linemen chosen in the first round of the draft include Luke Petitgout (No. 19, New York Giants) in 1999, Aaron Taylor (No. 16, Green Bay Packers) in 1994, and Andy Heck (No. 15, Seattle Seahawks) in 1989.