'Phins go offensive lineman in 2nd round, take Martin

BY SEAN DONOVAN

After drafting the player they hope will be their much-needed long term solution at quarterback in the first round, the Dolphins used their second round pick to protect him. With the No. 42 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Dolphins selected Stanford offensive tackle Jonathon Martin.

"It's amazing. I'm so excited to be a Miami Dolphin. It's a dream come true," Martin said, according to MiamiDolphins.com. "I'm excited to get down there at work."

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Martin was a three-year starter at Stanford, where he protected the 2012 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck. New Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin is looking for athletic, intelligent lineman to play in his zone blocking scheme, and Martin fits that bill perfectly.

Martin will likely compete to replace 2011 starting right tackle Marc Columbo, who was very ineffective and a large reason that Philbin felt offensive line was such a high priority this offseason. In a division that has two teams that drafted pass rushers in the first round of this draft and another that signed free agent defensive ends Mark Anderson and Mario Williams, the Dolphins can't afford to have a weak link on the offensive line.

"Big, long arms, left tackle, athletic. Very good kid. High character guy. Three-year starter at Stanford," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said of Martin. "Protecting our quarterback, keeping him upright, and giving him the ability to go down field is important."

He could also potentially provide insurance for All Pro Jake Long if injuries continue to be a problem or if Miami is unable to work out a long term deal before Long's contract ends after next season.

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