Early observations from prospects at the 2016 Senior Bowl

On the offensive line, no player beat my expectations quite like Notre Dame lineman Nick Martin, the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin.  This Martin has been the starter at center for several years before playing most of 2015 at left guard, rarely missing any games in his collegiate career.  The biggest knock on Martin has been a knack for not finishing blocks and lacking the mean streak you like to see on the interior; he started putting those doubts to rest with punishing pancake blocks in both one-on-ones and the day’s scrimmage.  The Saints are in the market for new faces at guard, and Martin should be someone they consider for the opening.

An intriguing name for Saints fans to keep track of:  Ohio State wide receiver/punt returner/quarterback Braxton Miller.  There some initial concerns about Miller’s conversion from quarterback to receiver, especially his size and instincts for the position.  Miller showed up in great condition at 6-feet and 1-inch, 201-pounds and did not look uncomfortable moving around in space.  At times he looked like the best athlete on the field and showed off the big-play abilities that may get Sean Payton’s attention.  Some credit also needs to go to the Cowboys staff and Jason Garrett for coaching up Miller as a punt returner, a role he didn’t see in college.  Mastering that assignment will give Miller even more playmaking aptitude.  As much as everyone wants the Saints to grab a big-bodied receiving threat, don’t be shocked if Miller wears black and gold this summer.

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