Damien Martinez Dynasty Value: A Powerful Back With One Clear Concern

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As a runner, Martinez delivers.

He logged three straight seasons of 980+ rushing yards. The advanced metrics suggest his powerful style will translate to the NFL.

But how does that convert to fantasy value? Receiving production is key for RBs, and that's where the 21-year-old falls short.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler called Martinez a "dirty work runner" in his annual draft guide. NFL Media's Lance Zierlein wrote the following in Martinez's scouting report: "He can catch passes here and there but could be best dialed in as a complementary banger..."

So are we looking at a low-ceiling fantasy prospect? Let’s break it down.

Damien Martinez Dynasty Values

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Damien Martinez Draft Profile

Damien Martinez Combine Results

Damien Martinez College Stats

Martinez Takes Over OSU's Backfield (and Surprises Himself)

At 18 years old, Martinez led Oregon State in carries (161), rushing yards (982), and rushing TDs (7). Only three freshman RBs beat that yardage.

His 12.4 carries per game topped RB2 Deshaun Fenwick, who made three fewer appearances. Fenwick – then a fifth-year player – saw his role decline later in the season.

Martinez stepped up to record 15+ carries and 100+ yards in each of the final six regular-season games.

"Going into the season, I wouldn't say I didn't believe in myself, but I didn't think I could do the things I was doing,” Martinez told Beavers Edge, when asked about his biggest 2022 takeaway. “So just having more belief in myself and knowing I can do those things [on the field].”

We’d see that confidence rise in 2023.

Year 2 Cements Martinez as More Than a Flash

Fenwick returned for a sixth season, but Martinez didn’t mind.

He posted new highs in carries (195), rushing yards (1,185), rushing TDs (9), yards after contact per attempt (3.82), and Pro Football Focus elusive rating (114.8).

The final two marks ranked top-15 among 73 RBs with 150+ carries, per PFF.

Martinez played all but one game, missing the Sun Bowl vs. Notre Dame. The reason: An arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Police eventually dropped the charges, but Martinez got benched anyway.

That same month, HC Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State. Martinez reacted by transferring to Miami – and then putting his best work on tape.

Fresh Start Produces Even Better Results

Martinez joined a loaded Miami offense led by QB Cam Ward.

The backfield supplied competition, notably from sophomore Mark Fletcher. The former four-star recruit chose Miami over Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and others.

Still, Martinez earned a lead role and outperformed Fletcher:

Martinez set career highs across the board -- even as a receiver (17 catches, 201 yards). He also remained durable, despite a bruising style. He leaves college without losing a single game to injury.

Next, let’s see how his game should translate to the NFL …

Damien Martinez Highlights

Games watched: Iowa State (2024), Georgia Tech (2024), Florida State (2024), Louisville (2024), Oregon (2023), Washington (2023), San Diego State (2023)

Second Best Power Back in This Class?

Martinez stands 6’0, 217 pounds, according to NFL Combine measurements. Yet he plays like an even stockier power back.

And perhaps he was.

Neither Oregon State nor Miami listed an official playing weight. Check his ESPN page, though, and you’ll find him at 232.

Chances are, he played around 230 before shedding pounds for the Combine.

Just watch the clip vs. Louisville below. Martinez flattens an open-field tackler, then powers through multiple defenders for a score.

Remember his 4.51 yards after contact mark listed above? Well, that ranked second in the nation behind Round 1 lock Ashton Jeanty.

The Florida State game below supplies another example of his ability to navigate traffic. Martinez also made a habit out of making defenders pay for poor tackling technique ...

Should a Big Guy Have Feet Like That?

I was impressed with his ability to make cuts for a bigger back. This allowed him to not just run through tackles but run around them as well.

In this next clip vs. Washington, Martinez parlays two cuts into a nice gain. He tallied 123 yards and 2 TDs in a loss to the fifth-ranked Huskies. 

Here’s another look at his quick feet and tackle-dodging skill, this time vs. Iowa State in the Pop Tarts Bowl. This was Martinez's final college outing, and he made it count with a season-high 179 yards.

Now, Martinez wasn't firing off explosive runs at an elite rate. But in 2024, his 37.2% breakaway percentage -- per PFF -- ranked middle of the pack. Consider that a solid finish for a player who wins with power first.

Don’t Expect a Major Receiving Role

Martinez makes a nice one-handed snag in the final clip vs. Georgia Tech. This marked his only grab of the game, though. He snagged two or fewer balls in 37 of 38 career games. 

He’s a functional receiver — someone who can handle swing passes and checkdowns. But he’s unlikely to be featured in the passing game at the next level.

He exits college with 4 drops over the past two seasons, despite only 41 targets over that stretch. 

Damien Martinez Team Fit: New Orleans Saints

The Saints have Alvin Kamara under contract for two more seasons. He showed well in 2024, posting 68 catches and his most yards per carry (4.2) since 2020.

But we're talking about a 30-year-old without a proven backup.

Kendre Miller could still emerge, although the Saints may look to reload at the position under new HC Kellen Moore.

Enter Martinez: A physical runner with experience in both zone (315 carries) and gap (198) schemes, per PFF. He’d complement Kamara’s passing chops while giving Moore a rugged early-down option.

Dynasty Value Conclusion: Monitor His Development as a Receiver

There’s plenty to like about Martinez.

Breaking out early, staying durable through three years, and carrying an imposing frame all scream NFL contributor. He even tested well at the Combine, earning a 9.35 Relative Athletic Score at 217 pounds.

Martinez could see the field early as a pro, at least on first and second downs.

But there’s little evidence he’ll add much as a receiver — even if you give his college production a little leeway because of Miami featuring multiple future NFL pass catchers.

Bottom line: Martinez’s rushing profile alone is so strong that you should keep an open mind on draft day. His upside just may be capped – especially if he lands with a talented pass-catching back.

Martinez sits 10th in our pre-draft rookie RB rankings.

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