Martinas Rakin, Mississippi State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin is an offensive tackle prospect who is looking at a position switch at the next level.

Martinas Rankin has played a majority of his college career playing offensive tackle, but features the ability to play other positions. This versatility will play a major role in Rankin’s draft stock as he goes through the process.

Rankin doesn’t show enough foot speed or overall athleticism to consistently hold up in space. He struggles getting out of his stance and protecting the edge against speed rushers. His balance is something that suffers when he goes against a top-notch opponent.

More from With the First Pick

The best example of this is when he gets duck arms and just his body. This makes it difficult for him to change direction. His struggles holding the edge against college pass rushers spells trouble at the next level. He will routinely face better competition going against NFL defenders.

Luckily, Rankin has the build and raw power needed to work along the interior. He is a potential fit at either guard or center.

Rankin features a solid build with long arms. He has a strong upper body and heavy hands that allow him to anchor to defenders. Rankin will need some time to adjust his playing style but the potential is obvious.

Mississippi State’s spread attack doesn’t often ask Rankin to move defenders of the ball. It’s something Rankin can quickly adjust too different schemes with some experience.

Interior offensive linemen don’t have the same value as offensive tackles, but are still an important part of the offense. Rankin would have to show a lot of improvements in order to prove to teams he can realistically protect the edge.