2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Damien Martinez

Martinez's individual numbers aren't eye-popping, but they are solid across the board, which at his size gives him an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.36. His 4.51 40-yard dash was a pleasant surprise, and his broad jump showed off some unexpected explosiveness. 

Background

Damien Martinez has always been a workhorse. Coming out of Lewisville High School in Texas, he ran for over 4,300 yards and 66 touchdowns, earning district MVP honors and catching the attention of multiple Power Five programs. A three-star prospect, he ultimately landed at Oregon State, where he wasted no time making an impact. He ran for 982 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and earning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors.

His sophomore season was even better—accumulating 1,185 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and earning another First-Team All-Pac-12 selection. However, with Oregon State’s future in limbo after the Pac-12’s collapse, Martinez hit the transfer portal and found a new home in Miami. Adjusting to a more downhill rushing scheme took time, but by season’s end, he was the Hurricanes’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2016, proving he could produce in any system. His 4.51 yards after contact per attempt was second in this draft class behind only Ashton Jeanty.

Strengths

• Physical, No-Nonsense Runner: Martinez is the type of back who keeps an offense on schedule. At 220 pounds, he runs with authority, lowers his shoulder, and makes defenders pay for trying to arm tackle him. He’s built to handle a heavy workload.
• Elite Contact Balance: If you’re coming in for a weak tackle attempt, you’re wasting time. Defenders bounce off him, and he consistently turns what should be short gains into productive runs.
• Vision and Quickness: He’s not just a battering ram—Martinez has a real feel for the run game. He sees lanes open before they do, slips through tight spaces, and has enough wiggle to make defenders miss in the hole. 
• Scheme Versatility: Martinez has produced in both a zone-heavy system at Oregon State and a more vertical, downhill rushing attack at Miami. 
• Productive Early in career: Put up a 90.2 run grade as an 18-year-old true freshman at Oregon State.

Weaknesses

• Limited Receiving Upside: He’s not a complete zero in the passing game, but he hasn’t been much of a factor as a receiver. That will likely limit his third-down snaps early on.
• Pass Protection Needs Work: He’s got the size and strength to be a solid blocker, but his technique is still developing. He made strides at the Senior Bowl, but it’s still a work in progress.
• Lacks Home Run Speed: Martinez isn’t the guy who will rip off 60-yard touchdowns regularly. He’s more of a grind-you-down, chain-moving back rather than a breakaway threat.

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit

Martinez might not be a flashy, game-breaking running back, but he’s the kind of player who keeps an offense moving in the right direction. He’s a tough and physical runner who embraces contact, grinds out tough yards, and wears down defenses over four quarters. He’d be an excellent complement to a backfield with a more explosive playmaker, providing a steady, reliable presence.

For the Bears, he’d be an intriguing addition. Chicago could use another dependable, north-south runner to help control the pace of the game and take pressure off Caleb Williams. Additionally, his presence would move D'Andre Swift into a more appropriate 3rd down role. Martinez fits best in an inside zone or gap-heavy scheme, and we know Ben Johnson will be creative with many different run schemes.

In a deep running back class, Martinez won’t generate the same hype as some of the more dynamic prospects, but make no mistake—Martinez is a rock-solid back who will carve out a role in the NFL. He may not be a three-down weapon, but as a pure runner, his tape stacks up against just about anyone. Expect him to come off the board somewhere in the middle rounds and make an immediate impact as a rotational back with the potential to develop into the lead guy in a committee.

Pro Comp: Laurence Maroney or Jordan Howard