Detroit Lions 2013 NFL Draft: Complete Draft Grades For The Lions

5th Round 165th Overall, Sam Martin, P, Appalachian State — 

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Overview:

Replacing last years duo of punters, Nick Harris and Ben Graham, was a must. Harris appeared in 13 games, averaging 41.5 yards per punt, which was the league’s second-worst average. Graham ranked dead-last at 41.3 yards.

The Lions signed former UCF punter Blake Clingan earlier this off-season, but he hasn’t played since his senior year in college back in 2010.

Martin — 6-foot-2, 205 pounds — was among the Lions 30 pre-draft official visits. He averaged 45.9 yards a punt last season, which was third in the nation for Division 1-AA. He also put 25 of 60 punts inside the 20. Last year he also handled kickoff duties averaging 63.1 yards with 45 touchbacks in 71 kickoffs.

My Thoughts:

In each of my three mock drafts, I had the Lions taking a punter. Martin seemed to be their guy and had a very successful season for the Mountaineers. However, taking a punter in the fifth round is reserved for the special punters.  He carries value as the kickoff specialist which will help his cause in Detroit.

Grade: C+