2018 NFL Draft: Martinas Rankin a second day value pick

Former Mississippi State offensive tackle Martinas Rankin isn’t getting any first round buzz, but he could be a quality starter and a steal on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

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From Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to the NFL, Martinas Rankin has undergone a whirlwind of change over the last two seasons. After arriving from the JUCO ranks, Rankin took over the left tackle position full-time for the Bulldogs and forced his name into draft discussions this spring.

An All-SEC first team selection his senior year, Rankin fought through injuries and more than earned the recognition. He’s passed every challenge thrown his way so far. Can he conquer the NFL?

Strengths

Rankin has quick feet and moves with ease and good form. Not the strongest offensive line prospect in the draft, Rankin wins with focus and acceleration. Unlike some offensive tackles, Rankin isn’t too rigid or heavy footed. Although he spent his Mississippi State career on the outside his future in the NFL could be at the guard or even center position.

Versatility is huge at the next level, and Rankin’s football IQ and solid tape will only serve to increase his floor. Teams are only carrying eight to 10 offensive lineman in the modern NFL, making a guy that can slide up and down the line like Rankin even more valuable.

Weaknesses

Where Rankin excels at being quick he fails against premier pass rushers. He doesn’t have the overall athleticism to fight off an edge rusher with a strong first step and often found himself out of position against the power rushers in the SEC. That doesn’t bode well for the NFL where each team has one if not several dangerous edge rushers that will cycle in and out throughout each game.

Quick, but not fast, Rankin’s game tends to break down the further away from the base formation he goes. He’s not particularly strong down the field and doesn’t move with enough speed when he has to go much further than the initial block.

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Draft Expectations

The bottom line is this: Martinas Rankin is a good football player. He’s not going to become a franchise left tackle, which will knock him out of the first round, but he should be a viable starter for several seasons at the next level. He’ll be off the board on Day 2, probably sooner rather than later.

Projection: Round 2, No. 40 overall to the Denver Broncos

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