Dallas Cowboys sign first round pick Zack Martin

According to a report from ESPN, the Dallas Cowboys have come to terms with first round pick Zack Martin for a year worth just under $9 million over four years.  Martin is projected to play left guard for the Cowboys between fellow first round picks Travis Frederick at center and Tyron Smith at left tackle, which should help them run the ball as well as protect Tony Romo.

There was significant speculation that the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones might not be able to resist the urge to take Johnny Manziel, going with the more exciting pick, but they ended up going in the exact opposite direction.  In many ways, Martin was as ‘boring’ a pick as they could make, but might have a huge impact on their offense.

The addition to Martin could give the Cowboys as talented a left side of the offensive line as any team in the league and their continued determination to invest in the trenches.  Martin is the third first round pick for the offensive line in a row and he could play guard, but he played left tackle at Notre Dame and could kick out to right tackle if they want to go that route.

Martin was regarded as a safe bet and some evaluators considered the pick a steal, but it also was a great fit.  Both Martin and Smith can be athletic and get out and create running lanes as well as being effective in pass protection.  The pick and the signing of contract also gives the Cowboys an incredibly young line that could stay together for quite a few years, which is something the Cowboys have not really had since Jimmy Johnson was there in the 90’s.